Former MVP, NBA Champion Gives Thoughts on Thunder Rookie Center

After Oklahoma City's home opener on Sunday afternoon, one of the best players in the league took time to praise OKC's young big man.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were demolished by the Denver Nuggets 128-95 in the team's home opener on Sunday. 

After a 2-0 start for one of the NBA's most exciting young squads, getting beaten by more than 30 points is a harsh reality check for OKC. In the loss, star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of the lowest scoring outputs of his career, finishing with just seven points.

Despite the blowout, rookie center Chet Holmgren had a solid game on offense, tallying 19 points and four rebounds while shooting 7-of-12 from the field. The 7-foot-1 big man struggled to guard Jokic, however, as the superstar center went 12-of-16 from the field for 28 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

After the game, two-time NBA MVP and reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic was asked about the rookie center from Gonzaga.

“He’s a really talented guy, but this is his first year. He’s still learning everything: the game, how quick it is, where is (he at) an advantage, where is (he at) a disadvantage,” Jokic told Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. “I think he needs experience. I think he needs to be a little bit fatter, to be honest. But yes, he has a talent that is unique.”

While Holmgren didn't have a great game on defense, the rookie center was going head-to-head with one of the best players in the NBA in just his third career start. 

As the Minnesota native becomes more accustomed to life in the pros, he will be much more stable on both ends of the floor. In his first three games, however, Holmgren has had plenty of moments that should leave Thunder fans and coaches excited for what's to come from the former 5-star recruit.

Following a shaky NBA debut for Holmgren against the Chicago Bulls, the former No. 2 overall pick has bounced back with two solid performances. 

Against the Cavaliers two days later, the rookie center filled up the stat sheet, finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocks, two assists and one steal. If Holmgren continues to improve as the season progresses, he will certainly be in the Rookie of the Year discussion.

OKC will meet the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. CT on Monday night in Oklahoma City for their fourth game of the season. The Pistons are 2-1 on the year and are coming off of back-to-back victories over the Charlotte Hornets and the Chicago Bulls.

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