Chet Holmgren made headlines years before entering the NBA when, as a high school player, he executed a crossover that left NBA superstar Steph Curry visibly surprised. This occurred in August 2019 at Steph Curry’s own SC30 Select Camp, where Holmgren, then just 17, stunned onlookers by driving past Curry and finishing with a dunk during a scrimmage. This moment showcased Holmgren’s unusual skill set for a seven-footer and marked the beginning of his rise as one of basketball’s most promising young talents.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s Surprising Take on the Viral Clip
Holmgren’s current Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, Isaiah Hartenstein, recently weighed in on the viral crossover clip in an interview shared by The Score. When asked about his reaction to seeing Holmgren cross up the legendary shooter, Hartenstein said,
“I thought that Steph wasn’t even trying,”
questioning the level of effort Curry put into defending the then-teenager. This candid opinion contrasted with the excitement Holmgren’s teammates expressed, highlighting differing perspectives within the team.
Teammates React to Holmgren’s Unique Athleticism
Among those impressed was Cason Wallace, who marveled at Holmgren’s rare combination of size and agility, calling a seven-footer performing such moves “crazy.” Ajay Mitchell initially doubted the authenticity of the clip, but upon witnessing Holmgren’s play in person, he confirmed its legitimacy:
“How was it possible to have a seven-footer move like that and cross Steph Curry up? Once I got here and saw him play, I was like, okay, that was real,”
Mitchell stated. Their reactions emphasize how Holmgren’s style defies typical expectations for players of his height.
Holmgren’s Role in OKC’s Recent Success
Holmgren’s versatile skill set extends beyond flashy moves. Known for his shooting touch, he shot 49% from the field and 37% from three-point range during the season, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s exceptional regular-season record of 68–14. His ability to stretch defenses and impact games on both ends was crucial as Oklahoma City advanced to the NBA Finals, underscoring his value as a star player on the roster.
Reflecting on the Journey from Camp to NBA Competition
Despite the playful debate around the crossover clip, Holmgren himself cherishes that moment as meaningful in his career. Facing Steph Curry in an NBA game for the first time last season was significant to him, symbolizing a full-circle progression from the camp experience to the professional level. Holmgren remarked,
“I guess you could call it that — going to his camp however many years ago, and now being in the league with him, playing and competing. That’s what it’s all about…”
Steph Curry Praises Holmgren’s Talent and Progress
Steph Curry also acknowledged the earlier crossover moment after trading jerseys with Holmgren, describing him as “ridiculously talented.” Curry expressed enjoyment in seeing Holmgren compete among the best players globally, affirming that Holmgren belongs at the highest level of the sport. Their mutual respect highlights Holmgren’s successful transition from a promising teenager to an established NBA player.