Chet Holmgren's NBA Readiness: The Jokic Test

David

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Post on May 06, 2025

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Chet Holmgren's NBA Readiness: The Jokic Test

Chet Holmgren. The name alone evokes a mixture of excitement and apprehension among NBA fans. The 7-foot-2 Gonzaga product, drafted second overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, possesses a unique skillset rarely seen at his size: exceptional shooting, ball-handling, and passing ability. But the question remains: is he truly ready for the brutal physicality and strategic complexities of the NBA? One key metric to assess his preparedness might be the "Jokic Test"—how well he can handle the unique challenges posed by a player like Nikola Jokic.

This isn't about directly comparing Holmgren to Jokic; the two players are fundamentally different. Jokic, a two-time MVP, is a dominant, low-post force with unparalleled court vision. Holmgren, meanwhile, is a modern stretch-five, more akin to a skilled forward than a traditional center. However, the Jokic Test serves as a useful benchmark for evaluating Holmgren's defensive capabilities and his adaptability against diverse offensive schemes.

The Defensive Challenge: Matching Jokic's Versatility

Jokic's offensive brilliance isn't solely defined by his scoring prowess. He’s a master of manipulation, drawing defenders out of position, finding open teammates with pinpoint passes, and utilizing his size and strength to create scoring opportunities. Defending Jokic requires a unique blend of strength, agility, awareness, and defensive IQ – qualities that will test Holmgren's readiness.

• Strength Disparity: Jokic's physicality is a significant challenge. Holmgren, while exceptionally tall, needs to improve his lower-body strength to effectively box out Jokic and prevent him from getting easy post position.
• Footwork and Agility: Switching onto Jokic demands quick feet and excellent lateral movement. Holmgren's agility is a strength, but he needs to consistently display the speed and precision required to stay in front of Jokic's crafty moves.
• Defensive Communication: Successfully defending Jokic often requires excellent teamwork and communication. Holmgren needs to show an ability to work in concert with his teammates to hedge screens, double-team effectively, and recover quickly.

The Offensive Counter: Exploiting Mismatches

While the defensive aspect is crucial, the "Jokic Test" also considers Holmgren's offensive capabilities against Jokic's defensive style. Jokic, while not known for his rim protection, is a smart defender who can use his size and positioning to disrupt shots.

• Shooting Range: Holmgren's exceptional shooting range is his most potent weapon. He can exploit Jokic's positioning by pulling him away from the basket and creating open three-point opportunities.
• Passing and Ball-Handling: Holmgren's advanced passing skills allow him to create opportunities for teammates even when double-teamed. His ability to handle the ball in the post and make quick decisions will be key.
• Adaptability: The key is adapting to Jokic's defensive schemes and exploiting any weaknesses he presents. This includes utilizing screens effectively, finding open spots on the floor, and showing patience in the offensive flow.

Beyond the Matchup: Holmgren's Overall Development

The "Jokic Test" isn't a definitive assessment of Holmgren's NBA readiness. It's a specific lens through which we can evaluate his strengths and weaknesses against a top-tier opponent. His overall development, including his physical conditioning, defensive prowess, and offensive refinement, will determine his long-term success. His progress throughout the season will provide a more complete picture of his readiness for elite competition. Will he pass the Jokic test? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for Chet Holmgren's rookie season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!