After just one year of NBA action, the Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren is already recognized as one of the best defenders in the league.
As of August 20, Holmgren ranks No. 3 in Defensive Player of the Year odds at +1500 behind only Victor Wembanyama at -190 and Rudy Gobert at +1200.
Miami Heat Center Bam Adebayo and the big man of the Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. complete the top five candidates of the popular betting service with odds of +2000.
Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in 2024, tying with the French big man Ben Wallace And Dikembe Mutombo for the most times. Jackson Jr. won the award in 2023 after averaging an impressive three blocks per game.
Holmgren’s top-three finish comes after the former No. 2 overall pick put together a stellar defensive performance as a rookie. The 22-year-old averaged 2.3 blocks per game in 2023-24, tied with Anthony Davis for the league’s number 4 last year.
With another offseason of professional strength and conditioning work, Oklahoma City’s summer roster additions and more coaching from Marc Daigneault and company, the Thunder big man could be poised for an even better year on defense in 2024-25.
Holmgren’s size, strong footwork, impeccable timing and rigid tenacity make the 6-foot-4 forward one of the league’s best young defensive players despite his thin frame, which many thought would hinder the former Gonzaga star’s success in the NBA.
A former 5-star prospect and the No. 1 recruit of the 2021 cycle, Holmgren spent one year with the Bulldogs before being selected second overall in the 2022 draft. After missing his entire rookie season with a foot injury, Holmgren emerged as a star during his rookie campaign, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks per game in 2023-24.
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