Former Clippers guard sparks intriguing Chet Holmgren vs Cooper Flagg debate with trade proposal
Ex-LA Clippers guard Austin Rivers recently proposed a hypothetical trade involving OKC Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg's draft rights. Rivers' proposal sparked a lively debate about the value of a sure-fire high-level, young NBA player vs a college basketball prospect with superstar potential.
Holmgren thrived in his rookie season, serving as the defensive anchor of an upstart OKC squad that finished first in the Western Conference (57-25). The 7-foot-1 big man also provided key value as a complementary scorer and frontcourt floor spacer alongside superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Between Holmgren's soft shooting touch for his size and elite rim-protecting ability, he is expected to be one of the Thunder's cornerstones for years to come.
On the other hand, Flagg, entering his freshman season at Duke, is considered a generational prospect, capable of reversing a destitute NBA franchise's fortune. The versatile 6-9 two-way forward has already generated discussions about teams tanking the 2024-25 NBA season to increase their chances of landing his services.
On Wednesday, Rivers asked fans on X/Twitter whether they would trade Holmgren for Flagg's 2025 NBA draft rights "right now." Rivers noted that he received divided opinions among those he asked personally before raving about both players' unique skill sets.
"It's been 50/50, to be honest with you," Rivers said. "Both are phenomenal athletes, two-way players, they play on both sides of the ball. Chet's potential could possibly be higher due to his size and length. ... And then we add the fact that Cooper is an exceptional talent who has a knack and motor ... and potential that just screams that dog stardom."
Fans' responses to Rivers' question appeared fairly mixed as well.
However, many consider OKC the favorite to win the West this season. Meanwhile, the organization has arguably the NBA's top young core, with plenty of room for improvement. So, the Thunder would probably be unlikely to make a blockbuster deal to shake up their roster.
Nevertheless, the debate's existence is a testament to Flagg's immense upside.
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Chet Holmgren looking to be aggressive offensively ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
While Chet Holmgren isn't considered a No. 1-caliber scoring option, the sophomore big man still has plenty of time to expand his offensive game.
According to Holmgren, he has been "aggressive" offensively in training camp ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he noted that his primary focus is still being a "winning" player.
"I'm out there to be aggressive and make winning plays for our team," Holmgren said. "That's not going to be any different from before. As the season evolves and as we go on and as I continue to earn the opportunity in different spots on the floor, I'm sure that'll evolve. It's on me to go out there and make winning plays. That's what I am trying to do."
Chet Holmgren will likely settle back into a tertiary scoring role behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams this season. Nevertheless, perhaps he can make a Year 2 leap.
Across 82 outings last season, Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 3-pointers per game, shooting 53.0%.
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