Chet Holmgren Headlines NBA's List of Impact Players Returning From Injury

After a year on the sidelines, Chet Holmgren is set to have a breakout season in Oklahoma City.

Chet Holmgren's ceiling has always been sky high. His spectacular preseason showing has fans even more excited than before.

Through three exhibition games, Holmgren is averaging 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He has a true shooting percentage of 74% and is shooting 55% from 3-point range.

Oklahoma City's offense provides him with an elite opportunity to space the floor and take efficient shots. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey command plenty of attention on the offensive end, which has led to wide open baskets for Holmgren. His personal passing skills will also open up easy buckets for Jalen Williams slashing and Isaiah Joe at the 3-point line.

His fit within the Thunder's offense appears to be a perfect one, and he has always been labeled an elite defensive player. It wouldn't be shocking to see him average more than two blocks a game during the regular season.

Recently, the NBA released a list of 12 impact players returning from injury this season, and it's no surprise at all that Holmgren was near the top. He could be the missing piece to the puzzle in Oklahoma City.

"Holmgren didn’t play last season but he did get a valuable, extended rookie orientation," Steve Aschburner wrote. "He was around the Thunder all year, in the gym on practice days, in film study and more. Then he showed what he learned in a Vegas summer cameo and in tune-up games this month. OKC is thrilled to plug a legitimate center back into its game plan for both ends. Meanwhile, Holmgren could push Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama in the ROY race.

Holmgren's addition should open up the offense and push the Thunder over the edge on defense. He will find success scoring around the rim and his offensive rebounding should stand out in year one.

He certainly has a shot at the Rookie of the Year award, considering he will be on a better team than Wembanyama and will likely be the more efficient player early on.

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