Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

There were a ton of talented basketball players in the building at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday night. One of the top players at the game wasn’t a participant though.

Chet Holmgren, who is a candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, was at the game.

The former Gonzaga star was seen talking with Luka Doncic and Mark Cuban nearby.

Holmgren also visited with some involved with the Warriors.

But it was his visit with Dirk Nowitzki that may have proved to be the most fruitful.

Holmgren is trying to do something in the NBA that Nowitzki was able to accomplish, beyond winning a championship. Dirk is the only 7-footer who posted a 50/40/90 season in the NBA. Holmgren has his eye on that rare mark.

In his lone season at Gonzaga, Holmgren averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. He is a massive presence in the middle due to his length and shot-blocking ability. The Orlando Magic may have him targeted for the No. 1 pick.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress
Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye
First game of 2024 NFL season features rematch between two AFC powerhouses
Bronny James receives medical clearance, expected to remain in draft
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years