2022 NBA draft pick Chet Holmgren made his long-awaited NBA regular season debut on Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls. Holmgren, who missed his first year with a foot injury, had a strong preseason and fans were eager to see him in a real game.

Holmgren did not disappoint. He hit a smooth jumper in front of two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic for his first two points in the NBA. The rookie's three-point shooting ability forced Vucevic to guard him on the outside, which opened up breakout routes for Holmgren. He used fakes and dribbles to create space before hitting a jumper.

Holmgren finished with four points, two assists, one rebound and one steal in seven minutes of action. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said after the game that Holmgren is a "game changer" for the team and that he's excited to put together a lineup based on Holmgren's size, mobility and versatility.

Some analysts consider Holmgren a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year. They believe Holmgren could challenge San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Vumbanyama for the award. Holmgren's faltering of Vucevic's dream has only made it hotter.

While Holmgren is still developing his offensive game, his impact on defense is already showing. In the preseason, he was a threat in that regard. Holmgren doesn't always get the block, but his presence makes opponents think twice about breaking to the basket.

In his one season in college, Holmgren was one of the best defensive players and rebound protectors in the country. He was named WCC Defensive Player of the Year and WCC First Team Best Eleven. Holmgren's defensive effectiveness proved to live up to the hype.

In addition to his size and height, Holmgren has excellent timing skills that make him a scoring nightmare. The fantasy cradle is a smooth move that fans rave about, but Holmgren's defense may be what the Thunder need most heading into the playoffs.