Even five years ago, most casual NBA fans didn't pay attention to Summer League action, but nowadays it's quite popular because there's a bit of a sports void with the NBA/NHL regular seasons over and NFL training camps not opening for a few more weeks. Former Gonzaga star Chet Holmgren was the No. 2 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft by Oklahoma City, and he made his Summer League debut Tuesday. It was so good that Holmgren's odds to win Rookie of the Year at Caesars Sportsbook have ch anged and Twitter is still buzzing.
The 7-foot-1 string bean Holmgren led the Thunder to a 98-77 win over Utah in Salt Lake City with 23 points (7-foot-9 shooting, including 4-for-6 from deep), seven rebounds, four assists and a Summer League-record six blocked shots in just 24 minutes.
“That's the record?” Holmgren asked in a post-game interview. “Oh, well I'm coming to break it again.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt tweeted this after the game, already preparing for next year's NBA Finals: “I will not overreact to a summer league game … I will not overreact to a summer league game … I will not overreact to a summer league game … I will not overreact to a summer league game … :: clears June 2023 calendar ::”