The Vegas warmth was brutal at NBA Summer season League, however former participant and The Old Man & the Three podcast host J.J. Redick believes the longer term appears shiny for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder after watching rookie Chet Holmgren and 1-year veteran Josh Giddey staff up on the ground.
Redick acquired his first have a look at Holmgren and in contrast the lanky rookie to a younger Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Watching Chet Holmgren in particular person was an expertise,” stated Redick. “He’s acquired a confidence to his recreation. He’s acquired a competitiveness to his recreation. He’s acquired a very sturdy perception in self.”
Redick famous three performs that showcased Holmgren’s skills, together with an ISO sidestep three from the highest of the important thing and grabbing the defensive rebound and main the staff on transition.
“Watching that body transfer so fluidly, his ball-handling expertise, it did remind me of a younger Giannis. I hate the comparability as a result of Giannis is certainly one of one, and hopefully, Chet will turn into certainly one of one. However watching him transfer in transition jogged my memory of a younger Giannis.”
Nonetheless, the play that almost all impressed Redick was when Holmgren spiked the ball in opposition to the backboard, demonstrating his potential dominance on the defensive finish.
The seven-foot Holmgren, who averaged 14.1 factors, 9.9 rebounds, and three.7 blocks throughout one season at Gonzaga, paired up with Giddey, a member of the 2021-22 All-Rookie Team.
Redick famous that Giddey will get off the ball early, has nice half-court imaginative and prescient, and has a knack for getting the basketball in tight spots.
On a choose and roll, Giddey squeezed a no-look move in between two defenders to Holmgren for the dunk.
“There’s only a actually good really feel and tempo to his recreation that he makes use of with the move,” stated Redick. “The massive query mark is Josh Giddey’s taking pictures. For him to unlock a famous person stage potential, he’s acquired to turn into a greater shooter.”
OKC is not any stranger to expertise.
This is similar staff that put Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden on the ground, and from Redick’s vantage, OKC could possibly be on the verge of a second run.
