ESPN: Only two sophomores are more interesting than Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren recorded one of the most remarkable rookie runs of all time in the Oklahoma City Thunder ’s record books this past 2023-24 season.

Coming off a year-long recovery from a Lisfranc injury upon being drafted as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 Draft, Chet defied the odds and proved to everyone why he is indisputably worthy of the hype. He made himself available in all 82 games, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 boards, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks with 53.0 percent shooting. Behind these stellar numbers, his impact in OKC’s rapid ascent has been off the charts, helping the franchise clinch a Conference-best 57 wins and a second-round postseason finish.

Chet at No. 3 amongst exciting NBA sophomores

Just based on how he delivered in his first year in the Association, Holmgren deserves much major attention for what more he can do and showcase in the upcoming 2024-25 season.

For this, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo crafted a list of the NBA's most interesting sophomores. And out of the rankings, he put the Oklahoma City rising star at the No.3 spot, just behind Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

Woo is intrigued about how Holmgren will attempt to make a much bigger leap from what he demonstrated last season. And even though he's surrounded by an elite Thunder team already, how he would showcase his growing offensive promise couldn't be more thrilling to take a look at.

“If last season is going to be the absolute baseline for what Holmgren provides the Thunder, from his offensive scheme versatility and perimeter skill to his paint protection, the future is a scary thought. Suffice it to say that no player on this list figures to be more consequential in the actual championship race, as Holmgren will again play a major role on an evolving, exciting Oklahoma City team,” Woo said of Holmgren.

Ready for the next step

Chet earned the privilege of obtaining significant buzz regarding his approach for his second year in the NBA. What he demonstrated as a rookie is just a mere glimpse of what he can exhibit for years to come, and he has that unlimited potential to be one of the greatest just by looking at the maturity, skill set, and unicorn-like tendencies he possesses.

For now, we can only wait and see how year No. 2 would successfully fare for Chet from both individual and collective standpoints.

Related: Here’s why OKC might not be able to win the 2025 NBA championship