Chet Holmgren: NBA Draft Odds, Pick Projection, Stats & Highlights

His team was already up by 22 points, yet Chet Holmgren still didn’t slow down the pace.

The Gonzaga center, among the players with the best NBA odds to be drafted first overall this year, closely defended his opponent late in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Georgia State. Holmgren used his length and instincts to tip an inbounds pass, and from there, he had a clear scoring chance before him.

The 7-footer outraced anyone who could stop him. Once he controlled the ball outside the 3-point arc, he needed just two dribbles to elevate to the rim. He threw down a two-hand jam, despite a foul, as his team’s lead swelled.

Holmgren will bring a plethora of skills to any pro team.

Andrew Nembhard with the find up top to Chet Holmgren ⬆️ @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/v8vNLhFLtb

— ESPN (@espn) February 13, 2022

Chet Holmgren Draft Odds

Holmgren has the second-best NBA Draft odds to be selected first overall at +170. Jabari Smith Jr. of Auburn is first at -250, while Duke’s Paolo Banchero is third at +1600.

The Orlando Magic have the first overall pick after going 22-60 a year ago. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets pick second and third, respectively.

Chet Holmgren Draft Pick Projection

Holmgren is widely regarded as a top-three prospect. And if Smith and Banchero are gone after the first two picks, the Houston Rockets would be a logical destination.

Last season, the Rockets were 17th in effective field goal percentage, 26th in offensive rating, 28th in rebounding percentage, 29th in net rating, and last in defensive rating. 

However, they were second in pace so Holmgren could fit as a center within the team’s identity. In addition, the Rockets drafted Jalen Green second overall last year, and Holmgren has the potential to be another franchise cornerstone. 

Chet Holmgren Stats

Holmgren, a 7-foot, 195-pound center from Minneapolis, averaged 14.1 points on 61% shooting, which led the conference while making 39% of his 3s. He also converted 72% of his free throws.

Holmgren tacked on 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 9.9 rebounds, which was first in the West Coast Conference and top 20 in the country.

Rim protection is a major strength of Holmgren’s. With 3.7 blocks per game, he was fourth in the nation and first in the conference. His 117 blocks tied for the program record.

Holmgren helped the Zags win a WCC championship and earn a spot in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

Holmgren was a consensus All-American in his one year of college. In addition, he was the WCC Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year en route to all-conference accolades.

Holmgren was also a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year honor and a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy.

Chet Holmgren Draft Profile

At his height and with a wingspan of over 7-3, Holmgren plays above the rim with ease.

He often knows exactly where to position himself when he’s off-ball on offense and defense. With his size and instinct, he seems constantly ready to impact a play. That’s why alley-oops were so common for him in college.

Beyond that, Holmgren is an efficient shooter beyond the paint. He can utilize that on fadeaway jumpers or from the perimeter.

Just ridiculous @ChetHolmgren pic.twitter.com/9stu58yKck

— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) March 8, 2022

While Holmgren is a capable ball handler who can instigate transition offense, he’s more efficient in catch-and-shoot situations. He won’t create many opportunities for himself off the dribble, but he can fuel an offense while taking the ball up the court during fast breaks.

Holmgren isn’t extremely fast, but he’s athletic enough to thrive in pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops. At 195 pounds, defenders could push him off his spots, but his tenacity and length helped him protect the rim and finish shots through contact.

With these skills, Holmgren could play at a high level as a modern-day center in the NBA.