Why does Chet Holmgren wear 34?

Chet Holmgren is one of the tallest players in the NBA. Rarely do we see a 7 footer, who can block shots, make threes, handle the ball and score from anywhere on the floor like Holmgren.

Holmgren was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder second overall in the 2022 Draft. He was one of the most exciting prospects coming out of college, but was ruled out for the entire 2022-2023 season due to a foot injury.

So far in the 2023/24 season, Holmgren has played eight regular-season games and is averaging 2.5 blocks per game. Thanks to his height and his wingspan, opposition players are scared to drive to the hole with him around the basket. He has single handedly transformed the defensive side of the floor for the Thunder, which they needed.

The only downside to Holmgren has been his frame. He is 7 feet tall, but has a very skinny frame. Nikola Jokic recently said “I think he needs to be a little bit fatter.”

Besides his frame, Holmgren is easily one of the best rookies that the NBA has seen in recent seasons. He is currently shooting at a ridiculous 57.5% from the field, including 55.6% from beyond the arc. In eight games played so far, he is also shooting 90% from the free-throw line.

Chet Holmgren Jersey Number

Chet Holmgren choosing the number 34 is quite hilarious and does not have deep significant meaning. He chose 34 because that was the only jersey that his school (Minnehaha Academy) had that fit him. He continued to wear #34 during his college days with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

He also wore a chain on draft night. The chain had two dice on it and it showed the numbers three and four. Three plus four equals seven, which was his jersey number on the national team.

With Holmgen’s addition to an already stacked OKC roster, the Thunder could finally make the playoffs this season. OKC now has an elite starting five with SGA, Holmgren, Josh Giddy, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams. They are one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA.

Steve Kerr (head coach of the Golden State Warriors) recently said “These guys are coming. Everyone can feel it.”