“Looks like he just hit puberty” – Fans react hilariously to Chet Holmgren’s transformation photo
Chet Holmgren, the NBA's No. 2 pick in June, has remained one of the league's most intriguing young prospects. Before going down this offseason with a Lisfranc injury to his foot, the one-and-done Gonzaga star had the league talking.
With an insane 7-foot-6 wingspan and a unique combination of athleticism and finesse for a big man, Holmgren seemed poised to take the league by storm. The only question was, at 195 pounds across his 7-1 frame, whether he could he hang with big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns.
While recovering from injury, Holmgren was recently photographed looking as though he had bulked up considerably. Naturally, the transformation sparked quite a few hilarious reactions from fans.
The picture on the left is Chet Holmgren during summer league and the right pic is from yesterday.
Looks like he has added some muscle mass to his frame 👀🔥 https://t.co/M6OkyABLEW
@NBAMemes Looks like he just hit puberty
@NBAMemes Gonna need more to compete in this league. Same thing with victor coming into this league.
@NBAMemes https://t.co/3a7lM0gWNY
@NBAMemes https://t.co/kznRELv5Jx
@NBAMemes I’m still looking for it…
@NBAMemes Those chicken legs are on the verge of snapping with every little step he takes
@NBAMemes https://t.co/7oHhlaj06P
@NBAMemes How many calories do you think he needs to eat to bulk? Like 5000
@NBAMemes https://t.co/6F5KGH4P0Y
@NBAMemes https://t.co/Ow8dtC6nOU
@NBAMemes https://t.co/XDqbN0bxaj
@NBAMemes Looking for the muscle mass like... https://t.co/pICi7EcRCm
@NBAMemes He looks the damn same
@NBAMemes How many calories do you think he needs to eat to bulk? Like 5000
@NBAMemes No disrespect but I don’t rly see a difference lmao
@NBAMemes I guess I need glasses.
Chet Holmgren's injury and potential return
With the OKC Thunder (38-42) fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament, there was some speculation about whether he would try to return this season. Recently, he posted a series of photos to social media, with the caption "Free 7" leading many to wonder if he could return for the play-in tournament.
As many have pointed out, however, there's no indication that the franchise will deviate from its timeline. The latest indications have Holmgren returning for next season, likely during the Summer League.
After Holmgren was injured during pro-am runs this offseason, general manager Sam Presti expressed his support for the budding young star. To him, waiting a year to get Holmgren is still worth it, as he explained to media members:
"If you asked me before the lottery ... you could pick between one or you could pick eight, or, the other option is you could have Chet Holmgren, but you have to wait a year to get him – I would not let you finish the sentence."
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder proving this season that the team is a force to be reckoned with, the sky seems to be the limit with Holmgren. When he returns to the team's lineup next season, the team seems poised to take the Western Conference by storm.