Thunder's second-year pro shows why he can be Rookie of the Year in Summer League opener

Victor Wembanyama isn't the only No.1 NBA draft pick with a chance of winning Rookie of the Year this season. 2022's first overall pick, Chet Holmgren, reminded everyone why he needs to be taken seriously for the award with a strong performance in his return from a season-ending Lisfranc injury to his right foot last August. 

Holmgren had 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in 30 minutes as Oklahoma City defeated the Dallas Mavericks 91-80 in what was the first game of Las Vegas Summer League action for both squads. 

Holmgren is eligible for the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award due to the fact that he missed all of last season. During the 2017-18 campaign, 2016-17 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons won the award after missing his rookie year.

Per Oddschecker, Holmgren (+500) is currently third in ROY odds, behind Wembanyama (-170) and Scoot Henderson (+380).

While we shouldn't overreact to Summer League results, it was important to see Holmgren fully healthy after his setback. And with a year in the Thunder organization under his belt, the learning curve for him shouldn't be as steep as it will be for true rookies in the 2023 class.

Holmgren also benefits from playing on the best team of the three players in question. The Spurs are a couple of years away from contending with Wembanyama while the Portland Trail Blazers will probably struggle once they finally trade Damian Lillard. The Blazers weren't that good with Lillard the past couple of years and trading him won't make them any better.

The Thunder, meanwhile, are coming off a better-than-expected run to last season's Play-In Tournament and are trending upward.

Oklahoma City returns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a young star-in-the-making who should be in the running for a scoring title next year. He was one of six players to average at least 30 points per game in 2022-23. Holmgren will get plenty of good looks playing alongside him. 

Holmgren has a solid case for Rookie of the Year that grew stronger thanks to his solid return. No one will win the award during Summer League, but he hit an important benchmark toward it becoming a reality on Saturday.