OKC Thunder big man Chet Holmgren may be entering his most pivotal season to date. Having gone from All-Star to postseason scapegoat last year, questions continue to swirl around his offensive ability, mindset, and general competitiveness.
However, on Thursday, Thunder GM Sam Presti made his stance on Chet crystal clear, and his sentiments could outline a helpful blueprint for the young rim protector as he attempts to prove critics wrong
"All the great players in NBA history... They encounter these moments, they confront them, they battlem, and they learn from those and get better. And I'm pretty confident that's the trajectory he's going to take," Presti said in his preseason press confrerence.
Chet Holmgren has already responded to adversity once before
The storied executive clearly believes that Holmgren's rough showing in the Western Conference Finals will only make him a better player. Funny enough, it wouldn't be the first time Holmgren has faced adversity and become better as a result.
In fact, he needs to look no further than his 2024-25 championship ring.
The year before the Thunder hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy, they entered the postseason as the first seed in the West. Many thought of them as legitimate title contenders -- that is, until they were humbled by the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks in six games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
It was a crushing blow for a team that, though they seemed ready to contend, learned the hard way from their failure and got better because of it.
Chet Holmgren must use 2023-24 Thunder as developmental blueprint
Chet Holmgren played an integral role in the team's progression from one year to the next. He witnessed firsthand what happens when a team buys into a growth mindset. Now, he must repeat the same process, but on an individual level.
The 7-footer is now on the same trajectory his team was on just a few years back, and he could use that same blueprint heading into the new season. After Thursday's presser, it appears his general manager fully believes that he is capable of making the leap.
Holmgren has some clear strides to make, particularly on the offensive end, but it's reasonable to believe he still has the capability of reaching another level.
After all, he is just 24 years old and, as Presti mentioned later in his comments, isn't technically even in his prime.
To think the All-NBA big man has at least two or three more years until he gets there is a scary thought.
A lot can happen in that span. For example, a young Thunder team can transform itself from a young underachiever into an NBA champion.
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