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Sweet Sixteen: 3 key prospects the Orlando Magic should be watching

By Stefan Alvarez

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 22: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils react following a three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 22: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils react following a three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren may well be one of the most fascinating prospects to enter the NBA Draft in some time. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Chet Holmgren

Gonzaga University

7’0 195 lbs Freshman

Next Game: March 24th vs Arkansas @ 7:09 pm EST (CBS)

Okay, where do I start with Chet Holmgren?

If you had a blender and took Kevin Durant’s body type, Dirk Nowitzki’s feathery touch from anywhere in the mid-post and Marcus Camby’s innate ability to use either hand to defend the around the rim — it would display Chet Holmgren.

The lengthy — to say the least — big man has wowed NBA scouts with his ability to score at all levels, shooting better than 40 percent from three in his 29 games with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Holmgren is a sight to behold when you see him move on the court.

The comparisons to Nowitzki are warranted. When executing in the high post, Holmgren seemingly gets where he wants — when he wants.

Standing at seven feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Holmgren’s array of hard pivots, spins and step-backs allow him the ease to shoot over virtually any defender that is thrown his way.

The comparison to a young Durant is an intriguing one, in my opinion.

Both players were able to score at will from anywhere. Both were attacked defensively but held their own. And both Durant and Holmgren’s size and length made scouts flock to the idea of their stardom, yet also brought hesitations from scouts across the league.

Holmgren’s frame seems to have a slight hunch back, which could be concerning for future back issues. Will bulky bigs in the NBA power through Holmgren? Is he quick enough to stay on the perimeter? Will his scoring be as effective on elite defenders like Rudy Gobert and Giannis Antetokounmpo? All valid questions.

We have seen Durant become one of the NBA’s greatest scorers with a slight frame. We have seen Antetokounmpo fill out his build and become one of the league’s most dominant forces.

Holmgren can do both. That is how good he is on both ends of the floor. While exactly where Holmgren will fit on the court is still very much up in the air, the league has transitioned to positionless basketball, and Holmgren is entering at the perfect time.

Holmgren’s fit in Orlando alongside Wendell Carter will will help alleviate the offensive responsibilities of the big man while also providing a secondary line of defense around the rim.

Holmgren would become an immediate impact on offense and help space out driving lanes for the twitchy Markelle Fultz to reach his beloved ten foot push shot. Orlando should be very intrigued with the potential of Holmgren’s fit within their rotation.