MY ACCOUNT
Chet Holmgren revealed he had already been in contact with Josh Giddey before his selection by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Thursday’s 2022 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old Australian represents a significant part of the Thunder’s future plans, averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his rookie season, with Holmgren disclosing discussions between the two on how and where they could both fit.
While the 20-year-old Holmgren insisted he is eager to meet all of his future team-mates upon arriving in Oklahoma City, Giddey is a particular case after already outlining their potential future.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of them and getting to work with all of them,” Holmgren said on ESPN’s draft broadcast. “But I’ve been speaking to Josh a little bit throughout this process, so I’m definitely looking forward to finally meeting him.
“[The discussion] hasn’t been so much advice yet, as much as it has been talking about the Thunder and what they are, what he sees in me and how we can play together.”
Even after Paolo Banchero was taken first by the Orlando Magic, there was little surprise Thunder general manager Sam Presti would then go with Holmgren at number two.
As a big who can stretch the floor, the seven-foot-one Holmgren exhibited unique shooting touch for his size in his freshman year at Gonzaga, potentially creating more space for someone like Giddey to make plays.
Despite leading the Bulldogs to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament and the likely scenario of a lottery pick on Thursday, Holmgren still found it all surreal upon his selection.
“Obviously, Paolo’s a hell of a player, he said. “I’m proud of him, and I’m happy for him, but when I heard my name, it was nothing but excitement, and I’m ready to get to work.
“I can’t even describe it. I’ve got zero words for the 1,000 emotions that I’m having right now, but they’re all very good.”
