"Kenneth Lofton Jr. is torching Chet", "Out there getting cooked" - NBA fans react to Chet Holmgren getting bullied by Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies' Kenneth Lofton Jr. put on a show against Chet Holmgren's OKC Thunder in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Lofton Jr, a 6'7", 280 lbs forward out of Lousiana Tech, went undrafted, but was offered a two-way contract by the Grizzlies and represents their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Several teams passed on Lofton due to his size and lack of agility, but the 19-year-old displayed his abilites in the Summer League game against the OKC Thunder.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. poured in 19 points, grabbed six rebounds and provided three assists. He also outshone and outmuscled the Thunder's big man and No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren for a majority of the contest.
Kenny Lofton Jr. is doing WORK on Chet Holmgren early 👀 https://t.co/vAszsD6Tmd
Fans were quick to take to social media to weigh in on the matter. Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:
perhaps we were a tad premature https://t.co/JdIci4HxUm
@WorldWideWob Out there getting cooked https://t.co/cO3GmhBPxj
@WorldWideWob Wait til he matchup w Zion 🤣🤣 https://t.co/JlR1bmEeFt
@WorldWideWob Embiid will put a CAREER HIGH on this boy
@cryptowavo @WorldWideWob The fact he went undrafted is wild to me. Not even the last pick? I can think of a few teams that need a body like his… smh
@CelticsPost @WorldWideWob Dude weighs 140 pounds NBA 4’s are gonna do the same thing to him.
@WorldWideWob https://t.co/WbOcC3qFcG
@WorldWideWob If he can push him that ease can you imagine Joel or Greak Freak
Them: “Chet Holmgren is gonna block 1284 shots in his 2nd game.”
Kenneth Lofton Jr: https://t.co/BFBMLz6OHu
Kenny Lofton was moving around Wemby like he was nothing too
He's just him, nothing to do with Chet
Me to Kenneth Lofton, after this masterclass https://t.co/bdqlCClge0
Kenneth Lofton Jr what on earth https://t.co/y0Du4AkIRT
Thunder fans watching Kenny Lofton Jr. tonight: https://t.co/AejXn2BltQ
KENNETH LOFTON JR IS TORCHING CHET https://t.co/Ww8ApLZoL1
Anyone who was surprised by Kenneth Lofton Jr’s performance last night must not have seen him in the 2021 FIBA U19 tournament
Kenneth Lofton Jr. has drawn comparisons to Zach Randolph
Kenneth Lofton Jr.'s performance against the Thunder was nothing short brilliant. His one-on-one battle with Chet Holmgren highlighted flaws and strengths of both players.
Lofton was comfortable in possession and his ability to back into bigger defenders will hold him in good stead. He was also quick to move up and down the court.
Lofton's biggest problem is his lack of defensive prowess. The 19-year old struggled to guard a nimble, but skilled 7'1" big man in Holmgren and ended the game with five fouls.
Considering he was undrafted, the Grizzlies will be pleased with what they've seen from Lofton so far. If he can develop a consistent 3-point shot, the forward could be an ideal fit for the Grizzlies in small ball rotations.
His displays so far have earned him comparisons to former Grizzly Zach Randolph and if he can continue to develop his game, he will be a valuable addition to the team.