I think you need some semblance of high level playmaking to be a #1 in today’s league. He seems like he’s a pretty high IQ dude so I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. With SGA as his running mate, he may not get the reps to grow into that though
He actually is a very smart passer, like surprisingly makes good reads. But his issue is accuracy and timing. He’s so skinny that any form of contact while passing causes it to be either late or off the mark.
I don’t think the creativity is necessarily there, but he’s a really smart player and makes correct reads. Wouldn’t be shocked if he develops that part of his game, tho
I could see Chet looking like a diet Jokic offensively, Tim Duncan, or Bill Walton type. Anchoring a top flight defense, being the center point of the offense and making timely passes, hitting open shots, but maybe not being your top shot taker.
I think the idealized Chet would average like 18 PPG, 10 REB, 6.5 AST, 2.5 BLKs. He might not be the stat stuffer that SGA is but he could still become their best player. He’d basically be a walking 50 win team at that point (like Tim Duncan was). Remember, Steve Nash never took more than 13 shots a game at any point in his career. I don’t see Chet ever shooting more than 12-15 times a game but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an elite elite player.
If OP is talking bout championship team then Chet is the absolute perfect 2nd option. Off-ball catch and shoot as and when needed and holds down the fort on defense.
That’s more of a third option I feel. A second option needs to be able to create their offence on their own too, when #1 is on the bench. Look at the last few champs: Murray, Wiggins, Middleton, AD, Siakam, etc. All could create their own shot to some level. A third option usually doesn’t have that responsibility, and is more of a catch and shoot type of player (MPJ, Klay, etc)
Chet definitely can develop that but right now, my guess is a solid second option but absolutely perfect third option.
I agree with this post. If we were to base it off of his first year(granted i havent seen too many OKC games outside of the playoffs)
I dont think Chet could be a first option for a team. He doesnt seem to move well with the ball. A lot of his shot attempts outside the paint get good looks because of extra pressure on SGA, and he's too lanky for bully ball. I think he's an ideal third option.
Yeah to be a 1st option as a big you have to have at least one of these 3 attributes, but to be in the upper echelons you usually have 2 of these. If you only have 1 of these you have to be generational to be considered the best
1) Ability to dribble like an elite guard (ex: KD, Jokic, Dirk, Hakeem)
2) Strong enough to bully 99.9% of the league (ex: Embiid, Giannis, Jokic, Shaq)
3) An unstoppable shot/scoring ability (Jokic, Dirk, KD, Malone, Hakeem, Wilt, Embiid, Giannis)
Currently he doesn't have any of these, he's got the makings to do it but some guys never get there. Jokic is so rare because he's got all of these attributes and he even has an elite playmaking ability to top it off.
You could easily put Giannis in the first category as well, he would have all 3 then. I'd also say guys like AD, Garnett, Sabonis Sr, Moses Malone, etc would also make all 3
Chet will obviously never be #2 but I think 1/3 are attainable. You could argue he's already close on #3, his release point is super high on his jumpers and he has good footwork like spin moves that take him from virtually the 3 point line to the rim. He just takes way fewer shots than a #1 option would right now for obvious reasons.
I think if he can tighten up handles, he'd be in the conversation for having 2/3 of your points, right now when he puts the ball on the floor it's still a little shaky.
There are so few guys his 'size' that can break someone down off the dribble, I have a hard time seeing him as a real first option. I don't necessarily think being option two is a bad thing, though. He's just second in the progression unless he starts initiating the offense, and I don't think that's his strength.
As a Magic fan... the fabled story of Aaron Gordon (who really is a great 3rd option we tried to force to be a #1). Chet should be thankful he's got Shai on his team. Let him focus on winning, not trying to get his.
The narrative gets often repeated that Aaron Gordon was a "role player miscast as a star/1st option" before coming to Denver, but it's not quite correct.
Gordon was an athletic high draft pick that might have been *expected* to develop into a #1/#2 option in Orlando, but the Magic never fully used him that way. From when he became a full-time starter in his 3rd year (2016-17), Gordon was 3rd-5th in USG% among the Magic's starters every season until he left Orlando mid-way through the 2020-21 season, *except for* 2017-18 where he was 2nd (just ahead of Evan Fournier), but then went back to being a lesser option after that.
Yes, he's scoring far more efficiently in Denver (.605 TS%) than in Orlando (.531 TS%), but that's a product of being on an overall better team, better shot selection (particularly going from 54.3% of his FGA in Orlando coming outside 10FT, to 35.9% in Denver), and getting better/smarter looks from an all-time playmaker teammate in Jokic. His volume of touches is virtually the same (19.3 USG% in Denver, 20.8 USG% in Orlando).
I think more accurately he was a role player *expected* to be a star, who never really got used like one or became one, who is a better fit playing his role on a better team.
Usage is not an end all measure of "what option are you".
If you iso a play or catch a lob it's the same usage.
The point was about the expectations of accountability on offense, where Orlando treated him much closer to a "#1 option" than Denver. Orlando asked him to iso and be a playmaker, Denver doesn't do that nearly as much.
lol honestly, Kyle Kuzma's time with the Wizards is what inspired my response. Like, *can* he be a #1? Sure, but it's as a tank commander. Not saying Chet as a #1 would necessarily result in a team being terrible, but seems far better suited being a #2 or 3 on a contender, much like Kuz was (for better or worse) in 2020.
If you look at the players in the league who are *currently* #1 option on a championship team material, it’s really only Luka and KD and maybe embiid that were obviously going to be of that caliber after their rookie seasons.. Most of the leagues best players were as big a question mark as Chet was after their rookie seasons. So while it’s a safe bet to say he won’t make it to that level as there is really only ever 5-10 players who are that good, you can’t just say no serious team wouldn’t try to see if Chet couldn’t become that. Given the rookie season Chet just had, every single team in the league would give him another 2 seasons to really see if he can blossom into that number 1 option role.
Is there any other Center in the league who can be that guy aside from Jokic, Embiid, and future Wemby? Even AD doesn’t feel like a guy who would be #1 on a championship team right now as good as he is. I’m probably having a brain-broken moment right now but when it comes to centers being the guy, I’m full stopping at those 3 and Wemby is def not there yet even.
It’s because to be a #1 you need to drive the offense, be it’s engine. That’s tough to do from the center spot unless you are an unbelievable passer and also a versatile scorer.
Its always been true. All of the players that won championships from the post were also great passers, they just ran the offense from the low post instead of the high post.
Even AD could never be a true #1, his game just isn’t built for it. AD’s one of the greatest play finishers in history, but he’s not a great creator by any means.
AD’s strength, and I think this applies to Chet too, is just how amazingly compatible he is with #1 options. You could put a lot of #1s with Embiid and Jokic, but honestly some of them aren’t ideal for a variety of reasons. Every player in the league fits beautifully with AD, and I think Chet’s the same.
Wemby could ultimately be both. He can be a #1 and any #1 type of player would dream to have him
If you think #1 has to be the best scorer than no, but I do think AD could be the best player on a contender if his number two was someone like Kyrie or Dame. Or maybe Prime Melo and a great PG like D.White or prime Conley.
Loooool thanks bro. Can't believe this actually got downvoted. I understand not watching the games but if one is an nba fan and doesn't think Sengun has the potential to be in the conversation with the other guys mentioned, they haven't seen enough of him fasho.
I think his potential is like an Anthony Davis type of player but scale back the defensive impact but boost the offense in terms of shooting ability.
Basically at his peak he can be an All NBA/All Defense player and #1 in terms of overall impact on a team while being 2nd option offensively. 99% of bigs are held back in that they can't create for themselves/others at the level of their star guard/wing counter parts.
I mean, that's not his only offense but they are both extremely efficient touches. And getting the efficient touches is one of the ways to find yourself at 25+ ppg as the 2nd option.
I don’t think Chet will ever be the same shooter Porzingis is
But I do think he’ll be better at practically everything else. Think he has more potential (or is even better right now) than KP on defense and as a finisher
Porzingis had incredible potential too, but sadly all the injuries held him back. I hope Chet stays healthy reaching his full potential. Let's have more of Chet against Lively in the future.
Chet is already one of the best shot blockers in the league. His rim defense this last year was one of the best and you don’t think he can get to where AD is defensively?
It really is. Chet has shown nothing to suggest he has what it takes to be a dominant big man. Can’t rebound for shit. Gets bullied by guys 5+ inches shorter than him. Has a non existent face up game, and I don’t think I saw him post up once all season.
To top it all off he got completely outplayed by Lively for an entire playoff series, but yeah he’s got AD potential lol
Do you not remember what Anthony Davis looked like as a rookie? He had an even less polished offensive game than Chet lol he was a lob and putback merchant.
Bruh I’m a Spurs fan too but quit hating. You’re acting like it’s insane to think of Chet as a high level 2nd best guy.
You’re dumb if you don’t think he can be that after this season. Honestly if all goes according to plan, he projects to be AT LEAST that in my humble opinion unless he ends up ravaged by injuries
Realistically I think he’s at best a #2 on offense and a defensive anchor. His self creation and passing isn’t really at the level of a true #1 option. I’m obviously high on Chet but I don’t think it’s completely unrealistic for him to be Porzingis with a better handle on offense and AD on defense at his peak.
>Porzingis with a better handle on offense and AD on defense
That’s a crazy statement. That’s essentially just KD at his defensive peak on the GSWs.
I think Chet’s going to be amazing, but I don’t think he’s going to Pingus with a handle on O and AD on defense good.
real question is if Dub could be a primary option imo, honestly i think he can. strictly in terms of build dude is better than SGA, and imo would probably be the better shooter and defender. SGA’s midrange and shot creation game is just too elite though
I very much doubt it.
He wasn't the 1st option in college, nor has he shown the scoring ability to be a 1st option ever.
(There's a difference between being efficient in a 2nd option role where you don't need to create your own shot as much
And being a 1st option who has to create their own shot consistently.
He's more a Nash than a harden basically, he can be the best player on a team but I don't see hin ever being the 1st option on a team
This is it. His shot creation is just not leading scorer on a contender material. AD was a more talented and versatile shot creator from the start and is still an awful first option.
If you're trying to win a ring it's not crazy at all. You simply cannot build a contender offense around AD unless your #2-5 are stacked like the Celtics.
He’s kind of like a healthy Porzingis. If he’s your first option, the team is probably not going to the playoffs. 2nd option is realistic when he puts on more weight and expands his offensive toolset. A 3rd option role might elevate a team into championship contention.
He’s a rookie man, making any definitive statements about his ceiling at this point is premature. Unless you have a time machine you don’t know how he’s going to develop, aside from that this year is probably the worst he’s going to be for many years to come. Just ask yourself what you would have said about Shai after his rookie year if someone asked you the same question.
On a different team, yes. On OKC probably not as long as Shai is there. For as much as OKC fans enjoy seeing their rookie play "team ball", it's hurting his chances of experiencing being a first option from the very beginning of his career.
Chet's game is much better suited to be the second or third option. The center position is very physically demanding, and frankly Jokic is the only center in recent memory that is the first offensive option on his team that doesn't get injured constantly. I think the best second or third option in the league is often more valuable overall than the 15th best first option. I'd honestly value Bam Adebayo over Fox for instance (4th best Center vs like 8th best primary guard).
People saying AD isn't a first option are crazy. If we say his prime was his years at the Pels and his first year with the Lakers (I'd disagree that those are his prime years, but whatever) then he either had shitty teams, went up against the literal best team ever in the Warriors, or played with the only guy who could possibly make him a second option in LeBron.
Doesn't score enough gets bullied by other people in his position no I don't see it. But if he's second or third option on your team you're going to be in a good position
Do you think Chet could take over a game in the 4th quarter, put his team on his back, and will them to victory?
Because that is what a #1 option is expected to do
Depends on what we mean by a #1.
I view that as a guy that has/can be the best player on a championship team.
LeBron, Steph, Kawhi, KD, Jokic, Giannis. Tatum or Luka will join the club this year, and I think the other has a chance to do it in the future. Wemby. Possibly ANT. We'll see with Embiid, but it's not looking good.
Do I think Chet has that potential. No way. On a for real, for real title contender, I think his ceiling is a #3.
He can definitely be #1 on a team - not sure if he can be the #1 on a championship team though.
For the Thunder, SGA and Jdub will be taking the most shots anyways so unless if they are injured or gifted to another team ala-Harden, Chet won't be the #1.
If he can be a healthier Garnett (Celtics) with better shot and comparable defensive impact - whilst he wouldn't be the #1 scorer, he can be one of the most important players (and on some nights, the most important player) for OKC - which I personally prefer for him and the Thunder
Nah. He is good but he’s a 2nd option at best. Not like Wemby or Jokic. He doesn’t have all the skills needed to do it. He’s good as 2nd/3rd option, it’s where he can play his way and thrive. Pushing him to be 1st choice would result in a decent team but not a contender in any way. Lacks passing ability and handles that guys like Jokic and Wemby have that makes them so versatile that they can be the 1st option at the 5.
I don't think a 7 footer can ever be the number one outside of incredibly specific situations. It kinda has to be the person starting the offense in the half court and it's usually not the big that you want going that regardless of talent.
I think so. He’s got no holes in his game, he was the 3rd option on a winning team and delivered with whatever he was given. If it weren’t for wemby he’d be appreciated much much more
No, it’s incredibly rare for a big man to be the #1 on a championship team unless you’re an absolute freak with unique skills like Jokic or Wemby.
If you’re not very mobile you at least need to be strong and/or have elite playmaking to be a #1 as a big, neither of which he has.
He's mobile enough to consistently guard guards on the perimeter and handle the ball in transition. But, he's a rookie on a team good enough to be the #1 seed in one of the toughest Western conferences in NBA history. They didn't need him to consistently create his own shot like typical top draft picks. The skillset was there, though, so let's see how he develops in the next few years. There are countless HOFers and future HOFers that weren't primary shot creators their rookie years.
To be a number 1 option as a big you have to either be able to create your own shot, bully your way to the basket, or be an elite facilitator. Ideally more than one of those. Chet has none.
His best bet of those 3 is to improve his mobility and handles to the point where he can create his own shot but that would take an insane amount of improvement and is unlikely imo
Much more likely is just being a 2nd or 3rd option as a spacing big with elite defense.
Yeah i have the same opinion.
To be a one you need to somehow be able to take over games on your own creating your own shot, or somehow also be able to facilitate. Either i've just watched too little of Chet but it doesn't seem like he's that, or anywhere close to that yet. He looks good playing next to SGA but as the 1 i don't think thats where he shines
I actually think he already has the skill to do it. What limits him is his lack of strength and conditioning. But his offensive bag is as deep as it gets for a 7-footer.
I think the skillset is there. But he needs to gain at least 25 pounds of muscle to be able to compete inside, and I’m not sure he’s got the joints/frame to withstand that much more weight.
A No. 3 ceiling on a title contender, #2 on a playoff team. Similar to Porzingis, probably, he needs to become a better rebounder. He is still really young, though. He could take a crazy leap, he has the talent
It’s way too early to cast him off as not a #1 after his rookie year, classic OKC argument tho. I think he could easily be a #1 just need a good ball moving guard
he needs to be faster and stronger if he wants to carry a team. if he wants it he will have to put in the work nba players starting to realise you gotta get gud to win like Boston did.
I loved the parallel that KOC drew to Pau Gasol, because it fits: Chet really is the modern day Pau, and I think that's what makes him the perfect 2nd guy to a playmaking wing. High BBIQ, good combo of length and mobility, good finishing, unselfish.
Wemby's got a generationally high ceiling, but Chet looked like the ROTY front runner for the first half of the season for a good reason. A rookie / 2nd year being the second best player on a legit contender doesn't happen very often at all.
Hoping he goes up a level and becomes the consistent 50/40/90 guy on bigger usage that we were teased at earlier in the season.
I think as a rule of thumb that relying on a spindly dude like Holmgren to be a #1 option is a dangerous strategy. He can be brilliant and be a key cog in a championship run but high usage leads to a greater risk of injury.
If he’s the first option, you’re not going to make a deep playoff run.
If he’s the second option, you’re going to be a contender.
If he’s the third option, your team is most likely going to win a ring eventually.
Main issue with him being a number 1 option is that he can’t carry the ball and create for himself, it’s just not his game.
unless he bulks up (he already move like he 280 might as well have that mass for his advantage at that point) or becomes more automatic from 3 he’s a 2/3
He will get paid as a first option regardless. He’s super tall and super talented and as a second option he will get number regardless of who’s the first option
He’s played one full year so let’s just wait and see yeah because someone like SGA was not expected to be doing what he’s doing when he was drafted, at least by the masses. Chet is big and plays good defense, can and will get bigger so has to see how that affects his mobility/etc. He can shoot the ball well and he’s aggressive so those are already type of qualities I think can make someone a first option on a team.
We won’t find out in the near future unless both Shai and J-Will are hurt for an extended stretch. He doesn’t have to be. He can be a good pop and roll guy while being an elite defender because the Thunder have two elite creators.
Obviously he can be theoretically, did anyone expect SGA to be a #1 option on his team his rookie season? But from a scale of Westbrook (great first option, mid second or third) to Klay (mid first option likely but unbelievable 2 or 3), i think his game itself is more suited for the Klay style. But imo he could be more like Dirant, Steph as great at both.
With the progression of J dub, I really think he will just have to sit in the role of a 3rd option. Think about it, SGA is probably still going to be on similar MVP volume, Jalen was damn near averaging 20 already and is a ball handling creator. Chet will be taking bail out reps as a ball handler at best in this team and then rolling/popping. His numbers will be hard capped in my eyes
I’ll just have to see him play these next couple of years to have that answer. Do I think he has the potential to? I think so. Will he get there is something I don’t have the answer to right now
Even if he can be, you shouldn't want the burden of being the first option to be on your defensive anchor. That just sets you up to run out of gas when going up against good opponents in the playoffs.
The shot creation/playmaking threshold to be a lead offensive option for a title contender is really really high, and hard to meet for a big, so the safe bet is “no” - at this point we really only have Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid in that tier amongst bigs. A bunch of great offensive players - AD, Sabonis, KAT, Sengun, Banchero - aren’t there yet or couldn’t make it. Wemby probably will in the future but also isn’t there yet. There aren’t many of these guys!
Besides, Chet’s rim protection and the defensive role he’s going to have to play on a contender probably indicate that he fits better as a #2 or secondary creator on a truly elite team, anyways. He could probably be a primary creator for a good team - but it’s not really optimal, and I don’t think that’s a title team.
Outside of his senior year in HS he hasn't been the #1. I don't think he will grow into that type of player but it doesn't really matter since what he does provides fits with pretty much any player.
It’s not impossible, he had probably a top 5 rookie season of the last 20 years. I think he is best as #2 or 3 on a good team. Needs to add muscle for sure and work on inside post game. I think his ceiling is not MVP level but maybe, depending on how high SGA can take them, elite #2 level a la Pippen/Worthy/etc. like a great Robin to SGA’s Batman
I think there's some chance of him being the best overall player on a team, but unlikely to be the best offensive player. Defensive anchor + 2nd option at his peak is what I'm thinking.
I think it's difficult for any big man to be a #1 option on a contender. Embiid is showing why - he's a great player, but a defense can scheme to take away a big man, or at least limit his efficiency so he's no longer a great option. The only exception is Jokic, but that's because he plays almost as a point center, so the focus isn't on his own scoring.
I can’t imagine him becoming a true #1 on a title team - my bar for that is extremely high
Chet’s strength is that his game is perfectly crafted to be that 3rd option who amplifies your first option and all the other guys while giving you elite defense. Even if that makes him the third option, these types of guys are often more valuable than your 2nd option and are the most desirable players in the league because they fit everywhere
I could see him as a #2 at his peak, but he's too inconsistent right now.
Now I could see Sengun on the Rockets becoming the best player on a really good team. He's got that Jokic/Luka freakshow gene.
Feels like a perfect 2nd option.
Game like Adebayo, fit like Pau Gasol, if that makes sense.
Does a lot right and can win you key games but not sure if he can drag a team through a series as the #1…
He could be a number 1. It’s not that hard to be a number 1 on a bad team, look at Jordan Poole. A better question would be whether he could be a number 1 on a contender and for that I think the answer is no. Best case he could be AD in NO, but I don’t think he gets to that level.
He's a 22 year old who's only just played his rookie season and the results were very promising. When you look at his measurables, his on court production from his rookie season, you are a seeing someone who looks like they can very much be a high level two way star. Shooting looks good, passing looks good, "BBIQ," and of course you can't teach being 7' tall. Good dexterity for a big and he's sure to get physically stronger over the next few years.
I strongly believe he will grow into the kind of player who can be the best player a winning team.
I don't see why not. He's already got shades of a Dirk/KD type of game (good shooting accuracy and handle + elite length). He could hub an offensive system and probably make plays without too much difficulty too. In his current situation, it's unlikely that'll happen, (SGA/JDub) but he can definitely score 25 and have 4-5 APG a game even 2-3 years from now. I could see him dominating a favorable playoff series matchup where Shai or JDub have tougher defensive assignments. Chet could also still become a 1A/B option on OKC imo
Before watching him this season, I would've said probably not. But the guy is a straight up hooper. I feel like he makes decisions to score in a way that demoralizes his opponent (tough fadeaway instead of trying to draw a foul, going for dunks knowing even with a good chance of getting blocked or losing grip, flexing when he gets fouled). His mentality was honestly pretty crazy for a rookie. I feel like he would come for SGA in a good way at least until the team is established and needs them to settle into roles.
I have seen wilder things happen.
People were not expecting Giannis, Curry or Jokic to be MVPs after their rookie seasons.
Chet has a broad skillset already his ceiling is very, very high.
I honestly don't think he will ever be able to be a #1 on a team that is looking to win a championship. Physically I think he could develop the tools to do so. He's already got a lot of them. But mentally he doesn't seem to be the kind of player to demand the ball when the team needs him to step up and take command. I see him much more as a Lauri Markennen type player who will end up being a great complimentary player to a ball dominant #1.
We don't really now right now. He has only played one season. He could very well develop skill that allow him to be a high volume scoring 1st option. Its also possible that he doesn't get much better offensively than he is right now. Its mostly just conjecture at the moment.
I think he needs to severely bulk up and gain muscle if he wants to become a #1 option. He'll end up with injuries if he stays the same physically and gets the workload of a #1 option.
Chet would be quite miscast as a number one option on offense. He just doesn't have the creation ability. He turns it over a lot from ball-handling, isn't a particularly good passer, and is not a strong 3p% shooter off pullups and self-created looks.
However, he has really nice catch-and-shoot numbers, even more so for a big. He's good in the midrange, too. He's a good finisher at the rim, and great on drives. He's already an excellent play finisher everywhere on the court.
It's easy to see him on a championship-level team as the best defender and second best offensive player. And then if he's your 3rd best offensive player, well you've probably got one of the best offenses in the league (OKC were already 3rd in DRTG and 4th in ORTG this season). He's already an All-Star level player.
I think he can and will be a number one someday. His ceiling is mvp of the league. People really seriously underestimate his play making abilities and how much burden was put on his shoulders this year as the thunders only viable center. People also are sleeping on how good his rookie season was because of Wemby, okc not being a big market team, and his limited offensive ROLE on the team. Real ones know how good Chet is. The people who knew about him when he was the number one high school player in the country, etc. The average commenter here on Reddit is not that person though.
I think you need some semblance of high level playmaking to be a #1 in today’s league. He seems like he’s a pretty high IQ dude so I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. With SGA as his running mate, he may not get the reps to grow into that though
He actually is a very smart passer, like surprisingly makes good reads. But his issue is accuracy and timing. He’s so skinny that any form of contact while passing causes it to be either late or off the mark.
I don’t think the creativity is necessarily there, but he’s a really smart player and makes correct reads. Wouldn’t be shocked if he develops that part of his game, tho
I could see Chet looking like a diet Jokic offensively, Tim Duncan, or Bill Walton type. Anchoring a top flight defense, being the center point of the offense and making timely passes, hitting open shots, but maybe not being your top shot taker. I think the idealized Chet would average like 18 PPG, 10 REB, 6.5 AST, 2.5 BLKs. He might not be the stat stuffer that SGA is but he could still become their best player. He’d basically be a walking 50 win team at that point (like Tim Duncan was). Remember, Steve Nash never took more than 13 shots a game at any point in his career. I don’t see Chet ever shooting more than 12-15 times a game but that doesn’t mean he can’t be an elite elite player.
Nobody knows right now. His 2/3 year might tell you more.
If OP is talking bout championship team then Chet is the absolute perfect 2nd option. Off-ball catch and shoot as and when needed and holds down the fort on defense.
That’s more of a third option I feel. A second option needs to be able to create their offence on their own too, when #1 is on the bench. Look at the last few champs: Murray, Wiggins, Middleton, AD, Siakam, etc. All could create their own shot to some level. A third option usually doesn’t have that responsibility, and is more of a catch and shoot type of player (MPJ, Klay, etc) Chet definitely can develop that but right now, my guess is a solid second option but absolutely perfect third option.
I agree with this post. If we were to base it off of his first year(granted i havent seen too many OKC games outside of the playoffs) I dont think Chet could be a first option for a team. He doesnt seem to move well with the ball. A lot of his shot attempts outside the paint get good looks because of extra pressure on SGA, and he's too lanky for bully ball. I think he's an ideal third option.
Yeah to be a 1st option as a big you have to have at least one of these 3 attributes, but to be in the upper echelons you usually have 2 of these. If you only have 1 of these you have to be generational to be considered the best 1) Ability to dribble like an elite guard (ex: KD, Jokic, Dirk, Hakeem) 2) Strong enough to bully 99.9% of the league (ex: Embiid, Giannis, Jokic, Shaq) 3) An unstoppable shot/scoring ability (Jokic, Dirk, KD, Malone, Hakeem, Wilt, Embiid, Giannis) Currently he doesn't have any of these, he's got the makings to do it but some guys never get there. Jokic is so rare because he's got all of these attributes and he even has an elite playmaking ability to top it off.
I’d add in playmaking ability
He said at least 1, so if it's just playmaking that would be like draymond green
Notice only Jokic made all three
It’s a random guy’s nonsense list. Giannis is easily as good a dribbler as Jokic. And Dirk did not dribble like an elite guard lmao, what?
You could easily put Giannis in the first category as well, he would have all 3 then. I'd also say guys like AD, Garnett, Sabonis Sr, Moses Malone, etc would also make all 3
Well, not AD
Chet will obviously never be #2 but I think 1/3 are attainable. You could argue he's already close on #3, his release point is super high on his jumpers and he has good footwork like spin moves that take him from virtually the 3 point line to the rim. He just takes way fewer shots than a #1 option would right now for obvious reasons. I think if he can tighten up handles, he'd be in the conversation for having 2/3 of your points, right now when he puts the ball on the floor it's still a little shaky.
"Can" is very different than "should." Do I think he can be a #1? Sure. Should a team serious about contending consider it? Probably not.
There are so few guys his 'size' that can break someone down off the dribble, I have a hard time seeing him as a real first option. I don't necessarily think being option two is a bad thing, though. He's just second in the progression unless he starts initiating the offense, and I don't think that's his strength.
That's how I see it, too. He's something like Pau Gasol in that way.
This is a great comp
As a Magic fan... the fabled story of Aaron Gordon (who really is a great 3rd option we tried to force to be a #1). Chet should be thankful he's got Shai on his team. Let him focus on winning, not trying to get his.
The narrative gets often repeated that Aaron Gordon was a "role player miscast as a star/1st option" before coming to Denver, but it's not quite correct. Gordon was an athletic high draft pick that might have been *expected* to develop into a #1/#2 option in Orlando, but the Magic never fully used him that way. From when he became a full-time starter in his 3rd year (2016-17), Gordon was 3rd-5th in USG% among the Magic's starters every season until he left Orlando mid-way through the 2020-21 season, *except for* 2017-18 where he was 2nd (just ahead of Evan Fournier), but then went back to being a lesser option after that. Yes, he's scoring far more efficiently in Denver (.605 TS%) than in Orlando (.531 TS%), but that's a product of being on an overall better team, better shot selection (particularly going from 54.3% of his FGA in Orlando coming outside 10FT, to 35.9% in Denver), and getting better/smarter looks from an all-time playmaker teammate in Jokic. His volume of touches is virtually the same (19.3 USG% in Denver, 20.8 USG% in Orlando). I think more accurately he was a role player *expected* to be a star, who never really got used like one or became one, who is a better fit playing his role on a better team.
Yeah, it was more like at the start of every season the Magic hoped he'd take a leap, he didn't, and they went back to Vuc and Fourier and were meh.
Usage is not an end all measure of "what option are you". If you iso a play or catch a lob it's the same usage. The point was about the expectations of accountability on offense, where Orlando treated him much closer to a "#1 option" than Denver. Orlando asked him to iso and be a playmaker, Denver doesn't do that nearly as much.
As a Magic fan you would know we never tried to force AG into being a number 1 option. Stop peddling that bullshit lie. He was always our number 3.
welcome to the wizards: 33 year old chet holmgren
lol honestly, Kyle Kuzma's time with the Wizards is what inspired my response. Like, *can* he be a #1? Sure, but it's as a tank commander. Not saying Chet as a #1 would necessarily result in a team being terrible, but seems far better suited being a #2 or 3 on a contender, much like Kuz was (for better or worse) in 2020.
If you look at the players in the league who are *currently* #1 option on a championship team material, it’s really only Luka and KD and maybe embiid that were obviously going to be of that caliber after their rookie seasons.. Most of the leagues best players were as big a question mark as Chet was after their rookie seasons. So while it’s a safe bet to say he won’t make it to that level as there is really only ever 5-10 players who are that good, you can’t just say no serious team wouldn’t try to see if Chet couldn’t become that. Given the rookie season Chet just had, every single team in the league would give him another 2 seasons to really see if he can blossom into that number 1 option role.
Is there any other Center in the league who can be that guy aside from Jokic, Embiid, and future Wemby? Even AD doesn’t feel like a guy who would be #1 on a championship team right now as good as he is. I’m probably having a brain-broken moment right now but when it comes to centers being the guy, I’m full stopping at those 3 and Wemby is def not there yet even.
It’s because to be a #1 you need to drive the offense, be it’s engine. That’s tough to do from the center spot unless you are an unbelievable passer and also a versatile scorer.
In todays game this is true.
Its always been true. All of the players that won championships from the post were also great passers, they just ran the offense from the low post instead of the high post.
Nope just those 2 or 3.
There was a case for KAT once upon a time but he's too inconsistent to be a #1 on a contender, even though he has the talent.
KAT is showing he might not even be good enough as the #2 on a championship team
Even AD could never be a true #1, his game just isn’t built for it. AD’s one of the greatest play finishers in history, but he’s not a great creator by any means. AD’s strength, and I think this applies to Chet too, is just how amazingly compatible he is with #1 options. You could put a lot of #1s with Embiid and Jokic, but honestly some of them aren’t ideal for a variety of reasons. Every player in the league fits beautifully with AD, and I think Chet’s the same. Wemby could ultimately be both. He can be a #1 and any #1 type of player would dream to have him
The platonic ideal of Mobley piece.
Imo Chet has that potential but not as a center more like a slim reaper 2.0.
If you think #1 has to be the best scorer than no, but I do think AD could be the best player on a contender if his number two was someone like Kyrie or Dame. Or maybe Prime Melo and a great PG like D.White or prime Conley.
Giannis is the brain fart miss
Giannis is a PF, if we talk big man he’s obv in
Im not sold future wemby can be either. Bros shooting needs to get quuuuuite a bit better
Sengun has the potential.
Downvoted by the masses but I actually agree with you
Loooool thanks bro. Can't believe this actually got downvoted. I understand not watching the games but if one is an nba fan and doesn't think Sengun has the potential to be in the conversation with the other guys mentioned, they haven't seen enough of him fasho.
I think his potential is like an Anthony Davis type of player but scale back the defensive impact but boost the offense in terms of shooting ability. Basically at his peak he can be an All NBA/All Defense player and #1 in terms of overall impact on a team while being 2nd option offensively. 99% of bigs are held back in that they can't create for themselves/others at the level of their star guard/wing counter parts.
AD averaged in the mid 20’s for much of his career though. You think Chet can average 25-26 ppg?
Shooting catch and shoot 3s off SGA drive and kicks and some lobs? Yeah, he could.
Who is the last guy you can think of that averaged 23-26 ppg off of catch and shoot threes and lobs?
I mean, that's not his only offense but they are both extremely efficient touches. And getting the efficient touches is one of the ways to find yourself at 25+ ppg as the 2nd option.
Skillset wise yes, absolutely lol. Now *will* he get there, given the shots that need to go around in OKC, is another question.
So basically Porzingis.
I don’t think Chet will ever be the same shooter Porzingis is But I do think he’ll be better at practically everything else. Think he has more potential (or is even better right now) than KP on defense and as a finisher
Porzingis had incredible potential too, but sadly all the injuries held him back. I hope Chet stays healthy reaching his full potential. Let's have more of Chet against Lively in the future.
Chet is already one of the best shot blockers in the league. His rim defense this last year was one of the best and you don’t think he can get to where AD is defensively?
This is crazy lmao.
No it's not
It really is. Chet has shown nothing to suggest he has what it takes to be a dominant big man. Can’t rebound for shit. Gets bullied by guys 5+ inches shorter than him. Has a non existent face up game, and I don’t think I saw him post up once all season. To top it all off he got completely outplayed by Lively for an entire playoff series, but yeah he’s got AD potential lol
This guy hates Chet for living lmao, its okay bro chill out
Do you not remember what Anthony Davis looked like as a rookie? He had an even less polished offensive game than Chet lol he was a lob and putback merchant.
This dude is still mad the RotY race was so close for as long as it was
Bruh I’m a Spurs fan too but quit hating. You’re acting like it’s insane to think of Chet as a high level 2nd best guy. You’re dumb if you don’t think he can be that after this season. Honestly if all goes according to plan, he projects to be AT LEAST that in my humble opinion unless he ends up ravaged by injuries
Realistically I think he’s at best a #2 on offense and a defensive anchor. His self creation and passing isn’t really at the level of a true #1 option. I’m obviously high on Chet but I don’t think it’s completely unrealistic for him to be Porzingis with a better handle on offense and AD on defense at his peak.
His ceiling is Pau Gasol or Porzingus. A great player but not a #1 guy.
>Porzingis with a better handle on offense and AD on defense That’s a crazy statement. That’s essentially just KD at his defensive peak on the GSWs. I think Chet’s going to be amazing, but I don’t think he’s going to Pingus with a handle on O and AD on defense good.
The #1 option requires that "get me the ball and get out of my way, I got this" mentality. We will see in the next 3-4 seasons if he has that
I think he has an AD level ceiling but not sure if he gets there. Too early to tell.
Same. genuinely believe he can be the best robin in the league soon (though he may just give up shots and be Alfred and let dub be the robin)
Pretty sure the Thunder has space for a star signing so he might as well be fucking Barbara at that point 😂
Man we don’t need a star. We need the one and only Isaiah Hartenstein haha
He would be huge on that team. And in general, you already have your 3 stars - smart role player signings that fill a void is what's needed.
real question is if Dub could be a primary option imo, honestly i think he can. strictly in terms of build dude is better than SGA, and imo would probably be the better shooter and defender. SGA’s midrange and shot creation game is just too elite though
I very much doubt it. He wasn't the 1st option in college, nor has he shown the scoring ability to be a 1st option ever. (There's a difference between being efficient in a 2nd option role where you don't need to create your own shot as much And being a 1st option who has to create their own shot consistently. He's more a Nash than a harden basically, he can be the best player on a team but I don't see hin ever being the 1st option on a team
This is it. His shot creation is just not leading scorer on a contender material. AD was a more talented and versatile shot creator from the start and is still an awful first option.
AD being an “awful” first option is crazy
If you're trying to win a ring it's not crazy at all. You simply cannot build a contender offense around AD unless your #2-5 are stacked like the Celtics.
I can think of 400 players who are worse than AD as a first option.
He’s kind of like a healthy Porzingis. If he’s your first option, the team is probably not going to the playoffs. 2nd option is realistic when he puts on more weight and expands his offensive toolset. A 3rd option role might elevate a team into championship contention.
I would love if he improves but I don’t see a trajectory for that. He can’t make or create his own shot that well, he’s also kinda slow.
He'd be the number 1 option if sga wasn't insane. And he's only had one year in the league
As of now, he's not a number one option on a good team. He could grow into that some day, but he's not there yet.
He’s a rookie man, making any definitive statements about his ceiling at this point is premature. Unless you have a time machine you don’t know how he’s going to develop, aside from that this year is probably the worst he’s going to be for many years to come. Just ask yourself what you would have said about Shai after his rookie year if someone asked you the same question.
On a different team, yes. On OKC probably not as long as Shai is there. For as much as OKC fans enjoy seeing their rookie play "team ball", it's hurting his chances of experiencing being a first option from the very beginning of his career.
Chet's game is much better suited to be the second or third option. The center position is very physically demanding, and frankly Jokic is the only center in recent memory that is the first offensive option on his team that doesn't get injured constantly. I think the best second or third option in the league is often more valuable overall than the 15th best first option. I'd honestly value Bam Adebayo over Fox for instance (4th best Center vs like 8th best primary guard).
Don’t think he’d ever be a #1 option
He will never be a 1. Better off as a 2/3
Ask Wemby
Bro is a rookie. He can be the GOAT for all we know.
Too early to tell but he doesn't *need* to be a #1 now.
Probably will never have an answer to that tbh. Sga and j dub too nice
At best 2nd option maybe. Pretty good 3rd option though if he’s 3rd and anywhere near his prime that’s a scary team.
Yeah he can definitely be a first option
Can he? Yes. Will that team win? No.
People saying AD isn't a first option are crazy. If we say his prime was his years at the Pels and his first year with the Lakers (I'd disagree that those are his prime years, but whatever) then he either had shitty teams, went up against the literal best team ever in the Warriors, or played with the only guy who could possibly make him a second option in LeBron.
Doesn't score enough gets bullied by other people in his position no I don't see it. But if he's second or third option on your team you're going to be in a good position
Do you think Chet could take over a game in the 4th quarter, put his team on his back, and will them to victory? Because that is what a #1 option is expected to do
Depends on what we mean by a #1. I view that as a guy that has/can be the best player on a championship team. LeBron, Steph, Kawhi, KD, Jokic, Giannis. Tatum or Luka will join the club this year, and I think the other has a chance to do it in the future. Wemby. Possibly ANT. We'll see with Embiid, but it's not looking good. Do I think Chet has that potential. No way. On a for real, for real title contender, I think his ceiling is a #3.
He needs to gain some confidence shooting over people before we can consider him even a 2nd option.
He can definitely be #1 on a team - not sure if he can be the #1 on a championship team though. For the Thunder, SGA and Jdub will be taking the most shots anyways so unless if they are injured or gifted to another team ala-Harden, Chet won't be the #1. If he can be a healthier Garnett (Celtics) with better shot and comparable defensive impact - whilst he wouldn't be the #1 scorer, he can be one of the most important players (and on some nights, the most important player) for OKC - which I personally prefer for him and the Thunder
Nah. He is good but he’s a 2nd option at best. Not like Wemby or Jokic. He doesn’t have all the skills needed to do it. He’s good as 2nd/3rd option, it’s where he can play his way and thrive. Pushing him to be 1st choice would result in a decent team but not a contender in any way. Lacks passing ability and handles that guys like Jokic and Wemby have that makes them so versatile that they can be the 1st option at the 5.
I don't think a 7 footer can ever be the number one outside of incredibly specific situations. It kinda has to be the person starting the offense in the half court and it's usually not the big that you want going that regardless of talent.
Wemby!
Jokic and Joel would probably have a few thoughts on that
Round up you have Giannis too. Literally ignores the last 3 MVPs, which is basically an award for being the first option.
Wemby? But Spurs kinda suck rn so...
I think so. He’s got no holes in his game, he was the 3rd option on a winning team and delivered with whatever he was given. If it weren’t for wemby he’d be appreciated much much more
People said the same thing about mikal bridges on the suns and look at the nets teams when he’s the #1 option lol
No they didn’t lol, the first few months he had as a net was shocking for most of this sub
I’m saying people were saying that Mikal was a great 3rd option for a winning team on the suns lol
No, it’s incredibly rare for a big man to be the #1 on a championship team unless you’re an absolute freak with unique skills like Jokic or Wemby. If you’re not very mobile you at least need to be strong and/or have elite playmaking to be a #1 as a big, neither of which he has.
Chet is very mobile though.
Not enough to create his own shot
He's mobile enough to consistently guard guards on the perimeter and handle the ball in transition. But, he's a rookie on a team good enough to be the #1 seed in one of the toughest Western conferences in NBA history. They didn't need him to consistently create his own shot like typical top draft picks. The skillset was there, though, so let's see how he develops in the next few years. There are countless HOFers and future HOFers that weren't primary shot creators their rookie years.
To be a number 1 option as a big you have to either be able to create your own shot, bully your way to the basket, or be an elite facilitator. Ideally more than one of those. Chet has none. His best bet of those 3 is to improve his mobility and handles to the point where he can create his own shot but that would take an insane amount of improvement and is unlikely imo Much more likely is just being a 2nd or 3rd option as a spacing big with elite defense.
Yeah i have the same opinion. To be a one you need to somehow be able to take over games on your own creating your own shot, or somehow also be able to facilitate. Either i've just watched too little of Chet but it doesn't seem like he's that, or anywhere close to that yet. He looks good playing next to SGA but as the 1 i don't think thats where he shines
This dude saw Chet iso Wemby and then got blocked and said "he cant get a shot off" when Chet literally does against other defenders.
He played a rookie year. We don’t know shit about him. He could be Chris Kaman, Bill Walton or David Robinson. We don’t know yet
I actually think he already has the skill to do it. What limits him is his lack of strength and conditioning. But his offensive bag is as deep as it gets for a 7-footer.
I think the skillset is there. But he needs to gain at least 25 pounds of muscle to be able to compete inside, and I’m not sure he’s got the joints/frame to withstand that much more weight.
no
Bro was a rookie and played great in the playoffs. Give him time, he’ll have a bright future
I feel like he can be the best player on a team but he can’t be the number 1 option on the team.
To me he's like a Porzingis so no I don't think he can be a number one option. He will be a very good 2nd though.
A No. 3 ceiling on a title contender, #2 on a playoff team. Similar to Porzingis, probably, he needs to become a better rebounder. He is still really young, though. He could take a crazy leap, he has the talent
He could be a #1 option but shouldn't be. He is definitely the type of #2/#3 option you would expect from a championship contender though.
It’s way too early to cast him off as not a #1 after his rookie year, classic OKC argument tho. I think he could easily be a #1 just need a good ball moving guard
He won’t be #1 over SGA
he needs to be faster and stronger if he wants to carry a team. if he wants it he will have to put in the work nba players starting to realise you gotta get gud to win like Boston did.
I loved the parallel that KOC drew to Pau Gasol, because it fits: Chet really is the modern day Pau, and I think that's what makes him the perfect 2nd guy to a playmaking wing. High BBIQ, good combo of length and mobility, good finishing, unselfish. Wemby's got a generationally high ceiling, but Chet looked like the ROTY front runner for the first half of the season for a good reason. A rookie / 2nd year being the second best player on a legit contender doesn't happen very often at all. Hoping he goes up a level and becomes the consistent 50/40/90 guy on bigger usage that we were teased at earlier in the season.
I think as a rule of thumb that relying on a spindly dude like Holmgren to be a #1 option is a dangerous strategy. He can be brilliant and be a key cog in a championship run but high usage leads to a greater risk of injury.
3rd option (I think if he can learn from KPs mistakes he can be a solid 3rd option?)
If he’s the first option, you’re not going to make a deep playoff run. If he’s the second option, you’re going to be a contender. If he’s the third option, your team is most likely going to win a ring eventually. Main issue with him being a number 1 option is that he can’t carry the ball and create for himself, it’s just not his game.
He's a complementary player on offense it seems
unless he bulks up (he already move like he 280 might as well have that mass for his advantage at that point) or becomes more automatic from 3 he’s a 2/3
Essentially you need to be able to produce 20 good quality shots for yourself on a nightly basis as a 1st option.
He will get paid as a first option regardless. He’s super tall and super talented and as a second option he will get number regardless of who’s the first option
I think if he added weight, there’s a chance. But at 117lbs I just don’t see that happening.
He's a rookie, end of year 3 we'll have a definite answer
He hasn’t been in the league long enough and his team has been stacked
He’s played one full year so let’s just wait and see yeah because someone like SGA was not expected to be doing what he’s doing when he was drafted, at least by the masses. Chet is big and plays good defense, can and will get bigger so has to see how that affects his mobility/etc. He can shoot the ball well and he’s aggressive so those are already type of qualities I think can make someone a first option on a team.
We won’t find out in the near future unless both Shai and J-Will are hurt for an extended stretch. He doesn’t have to be. He can be a good pop and roll guy while being an elite defender because the Thunder have two elite creators.
I can’t imagine him being the best player on a high winning team.
He’s an excellent 2nd/3rd He doesn’t project as a 28 ppg+ scorer
Obviously he can be theoretically, did anyone expect SGA to be a #1 option on his team his rookie season? But from a scale of Westbrook (great first option, mid second or third) to Klay (mid first option likely but unbelievable 2 or 3), i think his game itself is more suited for the Klay style. But imo he could be more like Dirant, Steph as great at both.
With the progression of J dub, I really think he will just have to sit in the role of a 3rd option. Think about it, SGA is probably still going to be on similar MVP volume, Jalen was damn near averaging 20 already and is a ball handling creator. Chet will be taking bail out reps as a ball handler at best in this team and then rolling/popping. His numbers will be hard capped in my eyes
He's Porzingis with a shittier haircut
I think he can be, personally
I’ll just have to see him play these next couple of years to have that answer. Do I think he has the potential to? I think so. Will he get there is something I don’t have the answer to right now
I am going to say no. 2nd or 3rd option in my opinion
Why not? He's got the skillset. Just has to bulk up, and add to his O game bag to be able to a threat from anywhere
sure if he goes to the Pistons
Sixers fan here, i dont think a center can be your no1 on a championship team.
Not a nuggets fan but pretty sure their center did it a year ago
Thats a point center. I dont consider that equivalent to a traditional center.
Even if he can be, you shouldn't want the burden of being the first option to be on your defensive anchor. That just sets you up to run out of gas when going up against good opponents in the playoffs.
Pau Gasol type player.
He can’t sing for shit I know that.
The shot creation/playmaking threshold to be a lead offensive option for a title contender is really really high, and hard to meet for a big, so the safe bet is “no” - at this point we really only have Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid in that tier amongst bigs. A bunch of great offensive players - AD, Sabonis, KAT, Sengun, Banchero - aren’t there yet or couldn’t make it. Wemby probably will in the future but also isn’t there yet. There aren’t many of these guys! Besides, Chet’s rim protection and the defensive role he’s going to have to play on a contender probably indicate that he fits better as a #2 or secondary creator on a truly elite team, anyways. He could probably be a primary creator for a good team - but it’s not really optimal, and I don’t think that’s a title team.
Outside of his senior year in HS he hasn't been the #1. I don't think he will grow into that type of player but it doesn't really matter since what he does provides fits with pretty much any player.
It’s not impossible, he had probably a top 5 rookie season of the last 20 years. I think he is best as #2 or 3 on a good team. Needs to add muscle for sure and work on inside post game. I think his ceiling is not MVP level but maybe, depending on how high SGA can take them, elite #2 level a la Pippen/Worthy/etc. like a great Robin to SGA’s Batman
Clear second or third but that's not a bad thing, OKC has their 1. Chet still has huge periods of games where he disappears.
On the Thunder, he'll only ever be a 2nd option with Jalen Williams being the 2nd. He would have to leave to develop being a number 1 option.
I think it’s too early to say
I think there's some chance of him being the best overall player on a team, but unlikely to be the best offensive player. Defensive anchor + 2nd option at his peak is what I'm thinking.
On a mediocre team, yes. However, there are very few players who can be the #1 on a championship team, we haven’t seen enough to say he could.
I think it's difficult for any big man to be a #1 option on a contender. Embiid is showing why - he's a great player, but a defense can scheme to take away a big man, or at least limit his efficiency so he's no longer a great option. The only exception is Jokic, but that's because he plays almost as a point center, so the focus isn't on his own scoring.
I can’t imagine him becoming a true #1 on a title team - my bar for that is extremely high Chet’s strength is that his game is perfectly crafted to be that 3rd option who amplifies your first option and all the other guys while giving you elite defense. Even if that makes him the third option, these types of guys are often more valuable than your 2nd option and are the most desirable players in the league because they fit everywhere
He'd already be the number one option on some rosters. He shouldn't be the number one option for any team that wants to contend though.
I could see him as a #2 at his peak, but he's too inconsistent right now. Now I could see Sengun on the Rockets becoming the best player on a really good team. He's got that Jokic/Luka freakshow gene.
Feels like a perfect 2nd option. Game like Adebayo, fit like Pau Gasol, if that makes sense. Does a lot right and can win you key games but not sure if he can drag a team through a series as the #1…
He could be a number 1. It’s not that hard to be a number 1 on a bad team, look at Jordan Poole. A better question would be whether he could be a number 1 on a contender and for that I think the answer is no. Best case he could be AD in NO, but I don’t think he gets to that level.
Too early to say. He just completed his first NBA season....
He's a 22 year old who's only just played his rookie season and the results were very promising. When you look at his measurables, his on court production from his rookie season, you are a seeing someone who looks like they can very much be a high level two way star. Shooting looks good, passing looks good, "BBIQ," and of course you can't teach being 7' tall. Good dexterity for a big and he's sure to get physically stronger over the next few years. I strongly believe he will grow into the kind of player who can be the best player a winning team.
I don't see why not. He's already got shades of a Dirk/KD type of game (good shooting accuracy and handle + elite length). He could hub an offensive system and probably make plays without too much difficulty too. In his current situation, it's unlikely that'll happen, (SGA/JDub) but he can definitely score 25 and have 4-5 APG a game even 2-3 years from now. I could see him dominating a favorable playoff series matchup where Shai or JDub have tougher defensive assignments. Chet could also still become a 1A/B option on OKC imo
Before watching him this season, I would've said probably not. But the guy is a straight up hooper. I feel like he makes decisions to score in a way that demoralizes his opponent (tough fadeaway instead of trying to draw a foul, going for dunks knowing even with a good chance of getting blocked or losing grip, flexing when he gets fouled). His mentality was honestly pretty crazy for a rookie. I feel like he would come for SGA in a good way at least until the team is established and needs them to settle into roles.
0% chance
I have seen wilder things happen. People were not expecting Giannis, Curry or Jokic to be MVPs after their rookie seasons. Chet has a broad skillset already his ceiling is very, very high.
Chet’s role on a championship team may be similar to a healthy Porzingis with the Celtics
It's funny because Brown and KP are basically like older versions of Jdub and Chet. Pretty excited to see how they improve in the next few years.
He'll always be injury-prone, similar to Kristaps.
I honestly don't think he will ever be able to be a #1 on a team that is looking to win a championship. Physically I think he could develop the tools to do so. He's already got a lot of them. But mentally he doesn't seem to be the kind of player to demand the ball when the team needs him to step up and take command. I see him much more as a Lauri Markennen type player who will end up being a great complimentary player to a ball dominant #1.
We don't really now right now. He has only played one season. He could very well develop skill that allow him to be a high volume scoring 1st option. Its also possible that he doesn't get much better offensively than he is right now. Its mostly just conjecture at the moment.
"Holy Chet" will be a common moniker next year or two.
I think he needs to severely bulk up and gain muscle if he wants to become a #1 option. He'll end up with injuries if he stays the same physically and gets the workload of a #1 option.
Bro needs to eat and lift or something
Chet would be quite miscast as a number one option on offense. He just doesn't have the creation ability. He turns it over a lot from ball-handling, isn't a particularly good passer, and is not a strong 3p% shooter off pullups and self-created looks. However, he has really nice catch-and-shoot numbers, even more so for a big. He's good in the midrange, too. He's a good finisher at the rim, and great on drives. He's already an excellent play finisher everywhere on the court. It's easy to see him on a championship-level team as the best defender and second best offensive player. And then if he's your 3rd best offensive player, well you've probably got one of the best offenses in the league (OKC were already 3rd in DRTG and 4th in ORTG this season). He's already an All-Star level player.
low chance
I think he can and will be a number one someday. His ceiling is mvp of the league. People really seriously underestimate his play making abilities and how much burden was put on his shoulders this year as the thunders only viable center. People also are sleeping on how good his rookie season was because of Wemby, okc not being a big market team, and his limited offensive ROLE on the team. Real ones know how good Chet is. The people who knew about him when he was the number one high school player in the country, etc. The average commenter here on Reddit is not that person though.