Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren has taken the league by storm. The 21-year-old center has played a vital role in OKC’s 20-9 start to its season.
Despite it being his first season, Holmgren has built quite an impressive resume — one that merits at least consideration to become a rare rookie All-Star. In 29 games, he’s averaged 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.5 assists.
Holmgren is vying with Victor Wembanyama for the Rookie of the Year award; barring injury, the honor will likely come down to the two seven-footers. Both have received plenty of praise through their rookie campaigns as the next generation of great bigs.
But according to NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal, he’d like the hype for Holmgren to scale back. O’Neal stated Holmgren needs to accomplish more before he can be called a phenom.
On Shaq’s podcast with Udonis Haslem, O’Neal opined that some of the praise Holmgren has received is too much, too fast. For instance, his co-host Adam Lefkoe used the word phenomenal to describe the rookie center.
“Y’all throwing around words that we had to work hard for. Phenomenal’s not the right word. … He’s good, but don’t be going promising and great and future Hall of Famer.
Starting today, I’m putting an end to all that s—. I am, starting today. Y’all can’t just be giving these people things who ain’t put in no work.
Phenomenal is the wrong word. And you can’t use dominant unless he does it for a consistent amount of time — I’m not talking two or three games. I’m talking years.”
O’Neal is one of the greatest centers ever, so his thoughts on today’s centers will always hold merit. The four-time NBA champion has enjoyed a successful post-playing career, being part of the NBA on TNT crew since 2011.
Meanwhile, Holmgren will have plenty of time to change O’Neal’s mind. The 21-year-old is just starting his NBA career. Given the way he’s played thus far, he has a strong chance to be one of the best centers of his era.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]