Thunder GM has update on former No. 2 pick

Chet Holmgren and Sam Presti BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren ready for big summer step

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 6/24/23

The Oklahoma City Thunder sound quite encouraged by the progress Chet Holmgren is making toward playing, as evidenced by GM Sam Presti’s comments Saturday.

Presti told reporters that he expects Holmgren to take part in Summer League action for the Thunder and that the center is looking great and has made great progress in recovering from his foot injury.

Sam Presti on Chet Holmgren playing Summer League: “It’s our hope he’ll be out there. It’s our expectation. Chet’s doing great. He’s had a great offseason.”

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 24, 2023

Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, suffered a severe foot injury playing in a pro-am game last summer. The injury cost Holmgren the entire 2022-23 season, a campaign that would have likely seen him emerge as one of the league’s most-watched rookies.

The Thunder will presumably be cautious with Holmgren, who is still viewed as being a key part of the franchise moving forward. If Oklahoma City can keep him healthy all year, they may be a playoff team. That they seem comfortable turning him loose in the Summer League is a great sign.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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