Chet Holmgren played in just 32 games last season due to injury.
Although his participation in the regular season was limited, he played in every playoff game, averaging 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, and continued to be an integral part of the Thunder’s championship victory.
Chet Holmgren appears to have grown in both statistical and overall importance to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
Through three games, he averaged 24.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, including a 31-point, 11-rebound performance against the Atlanta Hawks.
Although the sample size remains small, teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander described Holmgren’s appearance as noticeably different compared to last season.
“He just does whatever it takes to win. He’s getting more comfortable now. Last year he started the season like this. He just had an injury, but his legs are coming back strong,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“He’s stronger, faster, more explosive. He’s getting more and more comfortable. And a guy with his natural feel is going to continue to grow as the game goes on. He’s going to get even better.”
“So we’ve got to continue to push him as a teammate and make sure we put him in positions to be successful, like he’s done for us on the other end and on the offensive end,” he added.
Against the Hawks, Holmgren made 3-pointers, making 6 of 8 attempts.
He also had three steals, one block, and eight defensive rebounds, making him an all-around two-way contributor for the Thunder.
With Jaylen Williams still injured and not playing this season, Holmgren serves as OKC’s clear No. 2 option behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite only being in his third season, Holmgren has shown he is ready to accept the responsibility and help the Thunder defend their championship.