Thunder Get Encouraging Update On Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the season among the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

Though MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is their leader, that also had plenty to do with Chet Holmgren.

The star big man is a large part of what the Thunder want to do on both ends of the floor, and though his numbers remain similar to his rookie season, the improvement also is evident.

That’s why it is a massive blow to see Holmgren sidelined for at least two months after suffering a hip injury.

However, that isn’t keeping him away from the team.

As shown by Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire on X, Holmgren recently was back in the gym, watching his teammates at practice.

Chet Holmgren at today’s practice. First time I’ve seen him since he was injured pic.twitter.com/AAcQFAsSUc

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 23, 2024

He reportedly hadn’t been in attendance since he was injured.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean his recovery is ahead of schedule or that he’ll be back on the floor sooner than anticipated.

Nonetheless, it’s an encouraging update, and having him around should help the team’s morale.

Before his injury, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft was averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.4 3-pointers per game on 50.5 percent shooting overall from the floor this season.

The Thunder will miss his disruptive presence on defense and floor-spacing on offense.

Fortunately, they just got Isaiah Hartenstein back to full strength, and he’ll be a big help holding down the fort until Holmgren can return.

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