The OKC Thunder are regularly regarded as the best two-way team currently in the NBA.
From their number one-seeded record of 56-12 to their top-ranked net rating of 12.2, Oklahoma City has drastically separated themselves from the rest of the Western Conference and, aside from the 56-11 Cleveland Cavaliers, the entire league as a whole.
Now, with just under a month remaining in the regular season, the Thunder are looking to find ways to continue dominating throughout the playoffs. While having established All-Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams spearheading the charge will certainly be beneficial on their own, Chet Holmgren may actually prove to be the key to unlocking this team's full potential.
A full-go Chet Holmgren is key to OKC Thunder reaching full potential
A hot topic currently buzzing across the NBA media landscape is the debate over which player deserves the distinction of best third-option in the game today.
To ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, it's Austin Reaves. To The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo, guys like Darius Garland and Derrick White are strong contenders.
However, in actuality, none hold a candle to Holmgren.
Though 2024-25 has been a season filled with injuries and extended absences for the big man, both with and without him on the floor his importance to the Thunder has never been more evident.
In 22 games played, Holmgren finds himself posting impressive per-game averages of 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from distance.
Along the way, when he's been found playing more than five minues in a contest, Oklahoma City has sported a record of 18-3 while outscoring their opponents by an average of 10.76 points per game. On top of this, he finds himself ranked second behind only Gilgeous-Alexander in net rating at 15.9.
However, what's most notable about his production to this point is that at least half of these games have been played while the 22-year-old has been at less than full strength or while attached to playing restrictions due to his right iliac wing fracture that forced him to miss three months of action.
When bringing his A game, particularly on offense, the Thunder have proven themselves to be virtually unstoppable, as they are 9-0 this season when Holmgren scores 19 or more points and, dating back to last season, are 26-6 (both regular season and playoffs) when he goes for at least 20.
As the Boston Celtics witnessed last season with Kristaps Porzingis, having a big man who can space the floor, defend the rim, and pull down rebounds while measuring in at 7-feet or above as your third-best player can prove to have championship effects.
Excitingly enough, a healthy, 7-foot-1 Chet Holmgren fits this descriptor to a tee, and, hopefully, he can have the same impact on the OKC Thunder.