The Oklahoma City Thunder vaulted to the top of the Western Conference with the emergence of Chet Holmgren. The second overall pick in 2022 missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury. Holmgren has always had star potential, and he quickly realized it on the floor. The 22-year-old is still improving and keeps putting in work to reach his ceiling.
The Thunder upgraded their roster this offseason. Alex Caruso is an elite role player and lockdown defender. Oklahoma City also solved their size and rebounding issues by adding Isaiah Hartenstein. The best team in the West is just getting started and figures to be a serious title contender for years to come.
Holmgren will keep improving. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2024 and would have won most other years. The 7’1 big man will be a multiple-time All-Star and one of the best big men in the world. Expect it to lead to this massive honor and potentially creates a conflicting matchup for Thunder fans in four years.
Chet Holmgren is a shoo-in for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics
All Team USA does is win. They have brought home the gold in nine of the last 11 Olympics that they competed in. Everybody expects the Americans to win, but they face a ton of turnover before hosting the Olympics in 2028.
Seven of their 12 players in Paris are already over 30. That group includes big men Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. Those players likely age out before the games head to Los Angeles in four years. It will leave Team USA looking for star replacements.
On their preliminary list for the 2024 Olympics, Holmgren was joined by Paolo Banchero, Jarrett Allen, Aaron Gordon, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as potential big men. The Americans want versatility, rim protection, and players capable of hitting from the shorter FIBA 3-point range. The Thunder’s star fits that bill perfectly.
Team USA loves to bring back players who helped in age-group tournaments. Chet Holmgren was the MVP of the 2021 U19 World Cup as the team won gold. He loves representing his country and figures to be in prime position for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Do not be surprised to see Chet Holmgren be the American’s starting center at the 2028 Olympics. He will be in his prime, and it likely sets up two exciting matchups for the 7’1 big man. His rival Victor Wembanyama may be the best player in the world, so fans will be clamoring to see a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold medal game. Canada figures to be one of the best teams and watching the Thunder’s two stars battle will be wild.
Chet Holmgren is on the path to superstardom and that likely means a place on Team USA. The United States wins with depth and star talent. Holmgren will provide both when his time comes. Expect to see him in LA playing a crucial role.