The Oklahoma City Thunder have invested heavily in Chet Holmgren becoming the superstar he's capable of being. Cut from the cloth of the Unicorns who have come to define the evolution of the NBA, Holmgren has the capacity for dominance on both ends of the floor.
The Thunder's boldest proclamation was a clear statement that they believe Holmgren can leave his injury woes behind as he embarks on a path that will guide him to stardom sooner than later.
Oklahoma City committed to a long-term future with Holmgren when it signed him to a five-year extension worth $239,934,400 that will take hold in 2026-27. It also signed fellow star Jalen Williams to an identical extension in terms of base years and dollars.
With reigning MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed through 2030-31, the Thunder now have their star trio locked up for a potential run of dynastic measures.
For as promising as that may be, there are valid concerns over whether or not Holmgren can live up to his contract. That's based far less on talent than it is his injury history—an even more polarizing thought considering perimeter-oriented players who stand over 7'0" are often more susceptible than others to ailments.
The Thunder's stance on Holmgren's future was made crystal clear, however, when it handed him the five-year extension: The organization believes his injuries woes are in the rearview.
Thunder clearly believe Chet Holmgren can stay healthy on road to stardom
Holmgren has put together a sensational first two active seasons in the NBA. He played all 82 games as a rookie, immediately turning heads with averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per game on .530/.370/.793 shooting.
Holmgren followed that effort with a strong 2024-25 regular season and a fluctuating but at times brilliant showing in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Holmgren averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 three-point field goals made on .490/.379/.754 shooting during the regular season—in just 27.4 minutes per game. His per-36 numbers translated to 19.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.9 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 1.8 three-point field goals made.
In the playoffs, Holmgren struggled to get his jumper to fall, but played outstanding defense against Nikola Jokic and produced several massive scoring showings in critical games.
Unfortunately, Holmgren's injury history is difficult to simply gloss over. He missed the entire 2022-23 season due to a Lisfranc injury and was absent from another 50 games in 2024-25—due primarily to a right hip fracture.
Those are concerning injuries for a player whose size and style of play have historically combined to yield an alarming history of lower-body injuries in comparable individuals.
A healthy Chet Holmgren is worth every penny
One of the more common comparisons to Holmgren is Atlanta Hawks big man Kristaps Porzingis. Much like Holmgren, Porzingis clears 7'0" in height, entered the NBA with a thin frame, and plays a well-rounded style that includes stretching the floor, attacking off the bounce, and defending the perimeter.
Porzingis has been excellent when healthy, winning a championship and earning an All-Star Game appearance, but he's also missed at least 25 games in six of the past eight seasons.
Porzingis is just one example of a big-man issue that dates back to and even further than Houston Rockets legend Ralph Sampson. Big men who redefine what players at their position are physically capable of are simply in unique danger of injuries to their long limbs.
The Thunder seem to have gathered enough information, however, to determine that Holmgren will be able to proceed without enduring any lingering effects from past injuries.
That's wonderful news for Oklahoma City, which won a championship due in no small part to his presence and contributions in 2024-25. Considering he's still just 23 years of age, one can't help but wonder how much better he could become down the line.
The Thunder clearly have superstar ideas in mind with a five-year extension that reveals tremendous confidence in Holmgren's health and upside.