Chet Holmgren has Been Brightest Spot in OKC Thunder Preseason

There’s been plenty of bright spots for the Thunder in preseason, but Chet Holmgren takes the cake overall.

There’s been plenty of bright spots for the Oklahoma City Thunder through three preseason games.

Jalen Williams’ emergence as a two-way star. The additions of Vasilije Micic and Cason Wallace to the backup backcourt. Or even the internal development of players like Ousmane Dieng, Jaylin Williams and more.

But Chet Holmgren, the team’s shiny new 7-footer that fans have waited over a year to watch, has far-and-away been the brightest spot.

Selected No. 2 overall in 2022, Holmgren’s initial season was postponed due to a season-ending Lisfranc injury he suffered last offseason. Now, after multiple successful Summer League stints, Holmgren is dominating preseason play, and inching closer and closer to his true NBA debut.

Expectations were already high for Holmgren, who fills Oklahoma City’s void at center which has existed for several seasons now. At 7-foot-1, he provides elite rim protection, a lengthy offensive big with touch and plenty of floor-stretching ability, all of which he’s showcased in preseason.

In just 21.0 minutes per game, Holmgren is averaging 18.3 points. He’s hit on 18 of his 29 total shots, and five of his nine 3-pointers.

Defensively, he’s blocked five shots total, seeing a game-high three against the Detroit Pistons.

All-in-all, there’s not much to point to in terms of improvement right now for Holmgren. Of course, he isn’t likely to shoot 70 percent all season long, or hit half of his threes. But so far, he’s been a juggernaut in every sense of the word.

If he can continue his production, or perhaps even improve, Oklahoma City could add another MVP-level talent to their already storied history.

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