Chet Holmgren issues powerful message following latest Thunder injury update

Chet doesn't want to hear any excuses!

Oklahoma City Thunder v Chicago Bulls
Oklahoma City Thunder v Chicago Bulls | Michael Reaves/GettyImages

The OKC Thunder can't seem to avoid receiving significant chomps from the injury bug this season.

After playing through an enviably healthy 2023-24 campaign that saw eight core members see over 70 games of action and three seeing as many as 80+, through 16 games played in 2024-25 many foundational pieces have found themselves sidelined for several outings, if not the entirety of the season so far.

From guys like the recently returned Isaiah Hartenstein, who missed the first 15 games of the year with a fractured hand, to Jaylin Williams, who has yet to suit up this season due to a nagging hamstring injury, a large chunk of Oklahoma City players have suffered substantially from health-related issues.

Most recently, it was reported that yet another player has been ruled out for the foreseeable future as third-year forward Ousmane Dieng suffered a small fracture in his right ring finger and will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks.

While to some, this M.A.S.H unit of a roster could be viewed as quite debilitating and, in many ways, reason enough to shift the team's mentality toward merely trying to stay afloat until reinforcements arrive, recently star big man Chet Holmgren issued a message on his personal X account that stresses the importance of avoiding the use of excuses.

Chet Holmgren provides words of wisdom amid Thunder injury drama

In one sense, Holmgren's post could be viewed as a direct message to the Thunder while they continue to struggle with injuries and player absences. Frankly, it wouldn't be the first time someone from the team has spoken out against the idea of simply trying to tread water during these trying times.

That said, in another way, his comments could also be directed at himself while he continues his rehab after having been sidelined back on November 11 with a right iliac wing fracture in his hip.

Holmgren was putting up tremendous production prior to injury, posting 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.9 blocks on 51.9 percent shooting from the floor and 40.0 percent shooting from distance through nine fully healthy games played. During this stretch, the Thunder went a sensational 8-1.

This wouldn't be the first time he voiced his thoughts regarding his road to recovery on social media.

What's encouraging to note with this anti-excuses sentiment is that it appears Oklahoma City already seems to abide by such a philosophy. They've managed to go 4-2 over their last six games while dealing with a similar level of injury-induced adversity and are currently tied for the best record in the Western Conference at 12-4.

Regardless of who this post is directed toward, these words of wisdom are certainly enlightening and should be heeded moving forward.

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