The OKC Thunder have waited for over a year to see Chet Holmgren debut on an NBA floor. Holmgren is the highest draft selection of this rebuild, going 2nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Gonzaga big man represents the lone top-5 pick of a rebuild that has accumulated the best collection of young talent in the NBA right here in Oklahoma City.
Even after Chet Holmgren went down with a Lisfranc Fracture, the OKC Thunder were still able to see a 16-win improvement a year ago, including a trip to the NBA Postseason via the NBA Play-In tournament. That turnaround did not stop the Thunder from hyping up Holmgren, and rightfully so, as he is marked as a perfect fit for the Bricktown boys.
Sam Presti says Chet Holmgren will be “tested” this season, but excitement remains around Bricktown over his debut.
On Wednesday, Sam Presti held his annual preseason media availability to officially tip off the 2023-24 NBA season for the OKC Thunder. The organization will have its annual Media Day, where we will talk to every player on the roster on Monday.
Sam Presti was asked about his highest draft pick in this rebuild, and while he spoke glowingly about Chet Holmgren, he mentioned the Gonzaga big man will be tested.
Sam Presti on Chet Holmgren “he will get tested all year. A guy who challenges shots, he is going to get dunked on. There’s going to be rust. What position?…he might play one position on one end and a different possession on the other.”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2023
Chet Holmgren is tabbed as a generational rim-protector, and while that will result in him getting dunked on plenty, it will also result in him swatting away a high number of shots. That is something Holmgren is prepared to endure.
Chet Holmgren mentioned this very thing in this screenshot excerpt from the Royce Young article (link below). In the same story Sam Presti said “His mindset is as unique as his game,” https://t.co/9GdCRHeD26 pic.twitter.com/TI909wBo4W
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 29, 2023
The expectations are high for Chet Holmgren this season, and rightfully so; he is an electric player who, on paper, fills the holes of last season’s roster. However, the team has to start from scratch this year and gel together, which starts next week at training camp.
The OKC Thunder have a ton of faith in Chet Holmgren, and his work ethic makes him seem poised for a stellar rookie season. Holmgren is even gaining Rookie of the Year buzz in a race with fellow Generational big man Victor Wembanyama.