A week into the NBA Summer League and our rookies are already thriving, showing off their skills while also preparing for the regular season. One of the biggest standouts has to be the duo in OKC.
Written by: Riya Kalra
16 July, 2022
These two are a pair, an effective one too. Holmgren and Giddey have somehow managed to develop a connection that allows them to play both efficiently yet smoothly. Holmgren averaged 17 PPG, 3.5 APG, 9.5 RPG, and 4 BPG while playing in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Giddey also has a solid 12.7 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 6.7 RPG, putting up a good show. The Thunder team overall has been playing great, with both Jalen (and Jaylin) Williams (also called J-Dub and Jay Will) giving a solid performance. But Holmgren and Giddey have risen above the rest of the team with their immaculate bond.
In the Salt Lake City Summer League, Chet was able to hold off defenders, creating a way for Giddey to hustle to the rim. Giddey on the other hand, when being chased down, being guarded highly by defenders, has the ability to spot Holmgren on his wing. Seeing Holmgren open, Giddey can make that wide pass, allowing Holmgren to make his way to the rim or hit a three. The two combined scored a strong total of 25 points against Kenny Lofton Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies. So far in the Vegas summer league, the Thunder are 3-2 regarding all the summer league games they’ve played from Utah to Vegas (2-1 in Vegas, 1-1 in Utah). Oklahoma lost a close game to Jabari Smith Jr. and the Houston Rockets 88-90, with Holmgren and Giddey giving an impressive performance. Holmgren pressured Smith in the paint, but the third draft pick found a way to get around Holmgren, scoring in the paint. Giddey on the other end of the floor rebounded the ball with intensity, then was able to lob it across the court for his teammate to receive and lay it up and in. Even though they had a tough loss that game, they bounced back when facing the Magic on Monday, July 11. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the Paolo Banchero vs. Chet Holmgren matchup we were all hoping for, due to the Magic sitting out Banchero for the rest of the league, but Holmgren and Giddey still took the floor. Holmgren scored 8 points and offered 5 rebounds, both effective on the defensive end, not allowing the Magic to get any shots past him, and on the offensive end. Giddey also played well with 12 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, getting the ball to the right end of the court. The Thunder also recently played the Kings, taking on another win against the number 4 draft pick Keegan Murray. However, Murray played quite well that game, excelling against Holmgren who fouled out with 6 fouls, and it takes 10 to foul out in the summer league. The question is- how will the referees view Holmgren’s blocks in the regular season? Holmgren is spectacular on the defensive end, he plays with aggression, versatility, and confidence, yet sometimes the referees view his vigorous blocks as fouls. If that was the case, why wasn’t Paolo Banchero’s block against Neemias Queta considered a foul? Anyways- when Holmgren fouled out, playing a solid 29 minutes, other Oklahoma rookies stepped up, J-Dub and Jay Will. Giddey was unable to play against the Kings that night, but despite his absence, the Thunder established their dominance against Sacramento.
Both Holmgren and Giddey have shown their capability together as a dynamic duo. They both communicate well with each other and complement one another’s playing styles. Not only do the two get along with each other, but the whole team also seems to be getting their groove on. J-Dub and Jay Will can read the court with ease, passing to Holmgren and Giddey, as well as taking shots themselves. Oklahoma has the potential to reestablish itself this upcoming season. The Thunder just need to improve themselves throughout the remainder of the summer league- then they will be playoff ready. What does the Thunder need to improve on? Well overall the team is working well with each other, but individually, the players can improve. Holmgren should try to bulk up for the upcoming season, though a strong defender, sometimes big guys like Kenny Lofton Jr. take him by surprise and manage to ram into him without drawing the foul. Giddey should work on becoming more consistent when handling the ball, he shouldn’t be forced to pass when he’s on the perimeter. Giddey can improve his agility and explosiveness and then that weakness should improve. The summer league is about improvement- and with only a few days left, the Thunder should make the most out of it to prepare for the regular season.
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