Former All-Star says Thunder stud 'will be in the MVP discussion' (and it's not Shai)

The OKC Thunder have one of the most impressive collections of ballers in the entire association.

Even beyond the fact that they're headlined by superstar and arguable MVP snub, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City finds itself filled to the brim with exceptional talents all with varying levels of potential.

From rising studs in Jalen Williams to top-flight role players such as Alex Caruso, Mark Daigneault's rotation is deep enough that it can regularly roll out 10-12 men on a nightly basis.

This Thunder club consistently finds itself being praised by both fans and media pundits alike for its top-flight construction, and, just recently, a wild prediction has resurfaced regarding one of their budding stars that should get the franchise's faithful followers even more hyped than they already are heading into 2024-25.

Thunder big Chet Holmgren predicted to be in 'MVP discussion one day'

In an April 25 episode of The Mark Jackson Show, host and former NBA All-Star, Mark Jackson was seen praising this Thunder core, calling them a "special young, talented team."

Amid his hype-filled rant, Jackson would applaud big man Chet Holmgren for his impressive all-around talents and even went as far as to predict that, in the not-too-distant future, he should find himself in the NBA MVP conversation.

"The sky is the limit. To me, he has no ceiling... He'll be an All-NBA player, he'll be a guy, I believe, that will be in the MVP discussion one day, and rightfully so,” Jackson said.

Holmgren broke onto the scene in 2023-24 following an injury-induced, red shirt first season the year prior.

Playing in all 82 games, the big man posted sensational all-around averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks while shooting 53.0 percent from the floor and 37.0 percent from deep. He would also become the first player in league history to register 200 assists, 190 blocks, and 129 three-pointers made in a single season.

As a result of his production, Holmgren went on to be named to the All-Rookie First Team and finished second in the running for Rookie of the Year behind fellow frontcourt phenom, Victor Wembanyama.

Though Jackson would acknowledge that the Spurs juggernaut is in "a class by himself," he believes that Holmgren "rightfully so" deserved to be in the same discussion with him for the illustrious award.

Coming into his sophomore season, many are expecting Holmgren to take another step forward in his promising young career, with some suggesting he could absolutely "explode into stardom" with an increased role.

Where such an explosion could lead the Thunder stud is truly anyone's guess at this point in time but, assuming his opinion hasn't changed over the last five months, Jackson is under the impression that consideration for an All-NBA nod and the MVP award is far from being out of the question.