The Oklahoma City Thunder were upset by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals as Chet Holmgren scored just four points and took two shots in Game 7. Fans were losing it over the superstar not showing up, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pulled no punches when asked about Chet at his end-of-season media availability on May 31.
“We need Chet. We just need Chet Holmgren. Before Chet was here, we didn’t have the success we’ve had today. When he’s the best version of himself, we are the best version of ourselves, and that is no secret.”
Thunder fans may not love that after his nightmare Game 7. Holmgren was playing tentatively and looked hesitant throughout the series against Victor Wembanyama. Chet averaged just 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 29.9 minutes in the Spurs series. With his massive five-year extension worth $239.2 million kicking in this summer, OKC needs more going forward.
Fans were not happy with Game 7. Some were even calling for Holmgren to be sent packing, but SGA backing him makes that difficult. Fans rooting for the homegrown talent to stay are happy. It all depends on how you feel about Holmgren moving forward.
SGA’s comments on Chet Holmgren might just divide Thunder fans
Fans can hear Gilgeous-Alexander’s comments on Chet and Jalen Williams below.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes deep on the impact of Jalen Williams’ absence and the WCF struggles of Chet Holmgren
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2026
“We need Chet Holmgren.” pic.twitter.com/KlJ9NlQ917
The absence of J-Dub and Ajay Mitchell hurt the Thunder. They are two elite scorers who help get their offense rolling. To lose in Game 7 without two of the team’s best scorers should give fans hope for next season, but Holmgren’s play was so bad that the questions are still arising.
Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe were wondering how this game will follow him, and what OKC does when they matchup against Wemby and the Spurs again next season.
"That was a disaster."@BillSimmons and @ZachLowe_NBA react to Chet Holmgren's underwhelming performance in the WCF against Wemby and the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/sjHNTF3n36
— The Ringer (@ringer) May 31, 2026
They weren't alone. Everyone is wondering how this impacts Chet's future showdowns against Wemby.
Chet Holmgren is a Top 30 player in the world against 28 NBA teams.
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) May 31, 2026
He’s a liability a lot of the time against the San Antonio Spurs.
Given that is *likely* the Thunder’s primary hurdle for the next decade, that makes this one of the most fascinating individual player…
SGA clearly wants the All-Star big man back next season, but Thunder fans know things are complicated. With Chet and J-Dub getting massive raises, OKC is projected to be over the second apron. They already have 15 players under contract and have two first-round picks to add to their roster. Sam Presti has to make moves. It could be as simple as trading Isaiah Hartenstein or moving on from Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe.
Was this series enough to move on from Holmgren? Some fans certainly think so. He was getting roasted on Reddit, and some were suggesting to immediately move Chet for Giannis. The Greek Freak is available, but that is not the type of move Sam Presti usually makes.
SGA did exactly what fans should expect from a superstar. He backed his teammates and let everyone know why the franchise is better with Chet and J-Dub. Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t want any say in the roster building. He wants to play with Holmgren, but Presti may still have other ideas.
The Oklahoma City Thunder face a crucial offseason. They will likely attempt to dodge the second apron, but that won’t be easy. Fans found out that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thinks the Thunder must keep Chet Holmgren. Supporters aren’t so sure, but this will be a Sam Presti decision.
Until it is decided, there will be plenty of chatter about Chet. His disastrous series against the Spurs forced it, and the only thing he can do is put in the work to never let it happen again.
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