On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder returned to the practice floor and had a little extra bounce in their step having just beaten the Washington Wizards and improving their home record to 12-9. The Thunder are 2-1 on the week so far, with a historic win against the Celtics and a streak only broken up by a schedule loss to the Magic. Chet Holmgren, for the first time this season, participated in the end-of-practice shooting competition during an eventual day at Thunder ION.
Chet Holmgren is no stranger to cameras catching a glimpse at him at Thunder practice, even when the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft was still in a walking boot, Holmgren routinely got shots up after the OKC Thunder completed practice. However, on Saturday, this was the first time the media caught him participating in the team’s post-practice shooting competition
During an eventful day at practice, Chet Holmgren competed in a friendly shooting competition, Mark Daigneault discussed Darius Bazley’s playing time, and Jaylin Williams was upgraded to questionable
The Oklahoma City Thunder players love to have a shooting competition after each practice, and it has even caused a few spirited debates between the players on who won the most. So Saturday’s contest was no different, except for when Chet Holmgren took his turn.
This was the first time the local media caught glimpse of Holmgren partaking in such an event, and that led to a fanbase-wide frenzy. Ranging anywhere from is his jump shot different? Are we sure he can not play this season?
First time I’ve seen Chet Holmgren participate in the Thunder’s post practice shooting contest. pic.twitter.com/xLJrEuyaaG
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) January 7, 2023
From everyone I talk to, Chet Holmgren’s rehab is going well and he is on track for where the team expected him to be. While we have seen different milestones such as the walking boot coming off, the second procedure, and now a shooting competition, he is still out for the season. There is a huge difference in shooting around post-practice, which he did with a boot on, playing in a shooting competition, and playing in a real live NBA game at top speed, force, and trust in that foot.
I understand it is hard, but patience is key when dealing with a seven-footer that the organization hopes can be a cornerstone of their franchise and spurn on another decade of dominance in Bricktown.
Past the Holmgren hype, we did learn a few things about the game plan for the upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks. Notably, Jaylin Williams who was held out against the Wizards after suffering an ankle injury against the Magic has been upgraded to questionable and won the aforementioned shooting competition.
OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was asked about the lack of recent playing time for Darius Bazley, despite the Bricktown boys down so many bigs, and the bench boss cited Bazley’s recent illness as a reason.
Daigneault ensured he is in communication with Bazley and that the former first-round pick will play again.