Chet Holmgren: The Catalyst for the Thunder's 2025 NBA Championship Aspirations
By Edcel Panganiban September 10, 2024 20:43
Few players have come with as much buzz and promise in the NBA as Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Gonzaga standout has been a key piece of OKC's stellar 2023-24 campaign, where they finished first in the West with a 57-25 record. Here, we'll discuss how Chet's emergence has been exactly what the Thunder needed to get over the hump, charting his development and potential, while projecting what lies ahead for both Holmgren and the Thunder organization.
The Emergence of a Unicorn
Standing at 7 feet with a wingspan of 7'6", Chet posted averages of 14.1 points,9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game while hitting on around 39% from the three-point range during his stint with Gonzaga. His collegiate career garnered the attention NBA executives, scouts, and fans alike. He was billed as a unicorn, often thrown around for big men with guard-like skills. They often have the ability to protect the rim, put the ball on the floor, and provide spacing with their shooting capabilities.
Draft Night Drama
In the 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren was selected No. 2 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This choice was met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism, as with any lottery pick entering the league. He received accolades for becoming a franchise player, but his body type had scouts wondering if he could withstand the physicality of the NBA.
Rookie Slump and Sophomore Explosion
Chet suffered a foot injury prior to making his debut in the NBA, leaving him in street clothes for the entirety of what should have been his rookie season. While dealing with the foot injury was disappointing, it allowed Holmgren to work on his strength and skill set. His comeback in 2023-24 might have been a long wait for Thunder fans, but Chet made up for it, by posting averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 blocks, shooting 53% from the floor and 37% from the field.
NBA Season Analysis
Defensive Anchor
Defense has been OKC's calling card last season, and Holmgren's presence in the paint has been problem for opposing teams all season long. He's one of the top rim protectors in the league, with shot-blocking skills and a high defensive IQ, boasting the most blocks in the 2023-24 postseason, and top five in the regular season.
Offensive Versatility
A true definition of a stretch, Chet can space the floor with his ability to shoot from deep, which drags big men away from rim protection and helps open up driving lanes for his teammates. He has become a strong scoring punch as he can even take over games, and it starts with him playing deep in the post, adding more moves to his repertoire.
The Holmgren Effect
His arrival affected the entire Thunder squad, and this enables head coach Mark Daigneault to get creative with different schemes that can help unlock more of the team's potential.
Spacing and Pace
The spacing Holmgren offers as a floor-stretching big man has been up to par with the NBA's elite. Chet averaged 1.63PM at 37% last season. The space he creates gives more space for OKC's main man, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to work with, helping them be far more efficient on offense.
Defensive Flexibility
Holmgren's ability to block shots has also helped the perimeter defense, as they can play more aggressively knowing there is a backline of elite rim protection behind them. This has, in turn, led to an increase in steals, stops, and turnovers, feeding right into the Thunder's transition offense.
Leadership and Chemistry
Even though he's still a young buck, Holmgren has already embraced the role of a leader, with a work ethic and basketball IQ that has already courted the respect of veterans and young players alike.
The 2025 Championship: Looking Ahead
Playoff Experience
The Thunder's chances of winning a championship might hinge on his ability to answer the bell, stay healthy, and possibly, outplay some other big men in the West, which is no small feat.
Supporting Cast
In many ways, the Thunder's ability to build a contender around Holmgren depends on how rapidly their young core develops. The connection between Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and other supporting cast will be crucial in helping guide them through a competitive Western Conference postseason.
Challenges Ahead
The road to an NBA Championship is never a cake walk, especially with a loaded Western Conference with fierce competition from the powerhouses and other teams on the rise. A healthy and effective Holmgren will be essential as he bids to reach new playoff heights.
A New Era in Oklahoma City
The impact of Chet Holmgren on the Oklahoma City Thunder cannot be overstated. Their rise from a rebuilding squad to serious title contenders is as close to an overnight success story as there is. Regardless of whether they end up hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy soon, there can be no question that Chet Holmgren has brought a new level of electricity and dream into basketball in Oklahoma City.
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