Hoops Habit
Fansided

Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft

By Donald Hamilton

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 26: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after being called for a foul against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Continental Tire Challenge at T-Mobile Arena on November 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Duke won 84-81. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 26: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after being called for a foul against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Continental Tire Challenge at T-Mobile Arena on November 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Duke won 84-81. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
2022 NBA Draft
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 08: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Saint Mary’s Gaels at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Chet Holmgren

I mean, what else is there to say about the 7’1 unique specimen that is Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren. He is so unique, despite his frail size at 195 lbs, due to his ability to handle the ball as fluidly as if he was 6’3.

He has a smooth jump shot with great mechanics, shooting 60% from the field this past season, and 39% from behind the arc. Holmgren can face you up, take you off the dribble (ala Kevin Durant), and despite being skinny, is not afraid to mix it up in the paint with opponents, making him a solid finisher at the rim.

Holmgren is mobile, can guard multiple positions, and is a tremendous shot blocker (3.6 BPG) who will be a defensive anchor for any team he goes to, especially if he fills out his frame. In addition, he’s mentally tough and started off his basketball journey as a guard, which definitely shows in his game.

The term “Unicorn” doesn’t have the same juice or pizazz it had 4-5 years ago, since we’ve seen so many unique bigs such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic, but it truly does apply to Holmgren.

But don’t get it twisted, if he fills out, Holmgren can be someone we have never seen before. Think of a mix of KD and Dirk Nowitzki, but with elite rim-protecting skills, and that’s the type of ceiling he has. It’s all about if he can reach it, and if he does… watch out.

Home/NBA Draft