Minnesota native and stand-out NBA prospect Chet Holmgren has been selected number two overall in the NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Holmgren declared for the draft after completing one year at Gonzaga University, where he averaged 14 points, almost 10 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks in 32 games.
The seven-foot center has been praised for his defensive abilities but was also questioned on whether or not he could perform at the next level, with some experts thinking he is too polarizing.
Depending on the report you read, Holmgren could become an all-time great defensive player or a project player who is always one year away from being ready.
Though the predictions of Holmgren not finding some way to succeed in the NBA are far fewer than those that believe he will be able to make an impact on any team.
The Minnehaha Academy alum is now set to join a team that finished second to last in the Western Conference and hasn't made the playoffs since the 2020 bubble playoffs in Orlando.
OKC has gone through a rebuild since blowing up their big three of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook that brought them to the finals in 2012.
Now, Holmgren will get the chance to play with the Thunder's young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, and Tre Mann.
There were questions about a possible Minnesota reunion had Holmgren gone number one overall to the Orlando Magic, getting to play with another Minnesotan and Gonzaga alumni in Jalen Suggs.
But instead, Holmgren will get to join the list of tall skinny players to be drafted number two overall by the Thunder franchise, the other being Durant, of course, and the chance to make an impact on a team that's ready to win.
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