A Look at the Young Stars Best Cards
From the time Chet Holmgren went viral as a 7-foot high schooler, expectations have been through the roof for a young star who projected as one of the game’s next unicorns. A moniker rarely given out, a unicorn is a player whose skill set, shooting ability, and court vision seem almost impossible given their size. Kevin Durant, Kristaps Porzingis, and Victor Wembanyama are among the few who have been described as such.
After a solid rookie year that saw flashes of Holmgren’s immense potential, the Oklahoma City forward made a massive statement on opening night, when his 25 point, 10 rebound, 5 assist, 4 block, 2 steal performance led the Western Conference favorites to victory at Denver, one of the most difficult places in basketball to win. Over the first seven games of this young season, this young star has shown out on both ends of the floor, and is showing why he’s one of the true rising stars in The Hobby. Collectors have plenty reason to like what they see. As Holmgren leads Oklahoma City into a rematch against Denver on Wednesday, let’s take a look at some of this unicorn’s best cards to collect.
Chet Holmgren Cards to Collect
Holmgren was the top recruit in his 2021 class, and chose to attend Gonzaga University. While there, he amazed the basketball world with his unique combination of size, playmaking, and defensive domination. His spellbinding coast-to-coast finishes leapt off the television and onto the internet, and the block party in front of his own rim lasted all year long. Those in-the-know around The Hobby quickly realized that Holmgren was one to watch.
2021/22 Bowman University Basketball #38 Chet Holmgren
Player info
• #1 recruit in 2021 class
• first player in 25 years to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks in college debut
Set info
• 100-card base set
card info
• coveted first bowman featuring a young holmgren flexing
In the 2022 Draft, Holmgren was drafted second overall by Oklahoma City, following Orlando’s selection of Pablo Banchero. Holmgren was joining a team that already had a budding superstar, in Canadian point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC astutely selected Jalen Williams ten picks later, and like that, a new Big Three began to form.
2023/24 Topps Chrome Basketball Youthquake #YQ-14 Chet Holmgren Superfractor 1/1
Player info
• selected second overall by oklahoma city in 2022 draft
• joined michael jordan as only rookie to put up at least 35 pts, 10 reb, five ast, two steals, one block, and two 3pm in a single game
Set info
• 190-card base set
• 15-card insert
card info
• holmgren takes his place in the iconic topps chrome basketball insert youthquake that has featured the likes of kobe bryant, ray allen, and russell westbrook
Unfortunately, Holmgren’s debut would have to wait, as an injury sidelined him for the 2022/23 season. With Holmgren in the fold last season, Oklahoma City went off, improving from 40 wins to 57 on the way to securing the top seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. The rookie big finished second in Rookie of the Year voting to Victor Wembanyama, and their one-on-one battles quickly became appointment viewing. Along with the French phenom, Holmgren established himself as a future face of basketball.
2022 Topps X Mikael B. Art Card #5-A Chet Holmgren Red /5
Player info
• 16.5 PPG, 7.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 bpg in rookie season
set info
• limited edition set nine-card set
card info
• one of three art cards from renowned contemporary artist mikael b. is a re-imagination of holmgren’s first bowman
Holmgren’s freakish athleticism has allowed him to emerge as one of the league’s dominant shot-blockers already. Oklahoma City Head Coach Marc Daigneault said, “There’s plays that you don’t think he can get to, and then it’s like he’s a praying mantis. He is just on top of the ball out of nowhere.” Through six games this season, leads the league with 3.3 blocks per game. That Holmgren is just scratching the surface is a frightening thought for opponents, and is enough to make collectors drool at what is to come.
2022 Topps X Jacob Rochester Art Card #8 Chet Holmgren Artist Proof /20
Player info
• 25 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, two steals in season-opening win at denver
set info
• limited edition nine-card set
card info
• art card from jacob rochester inspired by the popular 1993/94 topps finest set
Much has been made of Holmgren’s wiry frame since his high school days, but this year, he’s using his bigger body to his advantage. He’s more comfortable in the paint, and is seeking, rather than avoiding, contact. There’s been an aggression in his play that suggests he’s gearing up for a role not just as a quality piece on a contender, but as a star that the entire basketball world will have to reckon with.
2023/24 Topps Chrome Basketball Helix #H-15 Chet Holmgren
Player info
• Lebron is one of only four players to win titles with three different franchises (cleveland, miami, los angeles)
set info
• 190-card base set
• 25-card insert
card info
• dazzingly designed helix short print showcasing holmgren’s unicorn handles
While there’s no doubting that Holmgren can become a superstar, he’s also in a perfect situation in Oklahoma City. The team is loaded with young talent and the squad has already done plenty of winning. When it comes to legacy (and your place in The Hobby), rings do matter – and Holmgren should have every chance in the near and distant future, to win it all. Only 22 years old, Chet Holmgren may just be making the leap, on his way to becoming one of the faces of basketball, and one of the faces of The Hobby.
