How Big of A Role Does Thunder Rookie Chet Holmgren Play This Season?

Entering what will be his official rookie year, Thunder center Chet Holmgren has high expectations on both ends of the ball. Especially now that he's back from injury and ready to play, just how big could his role end up being this year?

With media day just four days away, the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2023-24 campaign is about ready to enter full swing. 

Trying not to make the season's very first viewings of each of Oklahoma City's young stars lead to predictions, assumptions and bold takes will be difficult, but that didn't stop Bleacher Report from heading into the final stretch of the offseason with "one big question" regarding the Thunder. 

"We’re going to be a better team by the end of the season,” Thunder GM Sam Presti said of the team in his recent press conference. “The synchronicity and the time together and the experience shared, I think we’ll be a better team. I’m confident we’ll be a better team.”

So, if the Thunder does end up being a better team, then its future is bright. That's not a question. But how big of a role will rookie center Chet Holmgren play in that? 

"In each of the last two seasons, Josh Giddey has led the Oklahoma City Thunder in rebounds per game," Bleacher Report began. "That's both a credit to Giddey and an indictment of OKC's big-man rotation." 

Credit to Giddey goes a long way, especially with how well he played this summer for the Australian National Team, but while he will be expected to continue being a big contributor to Oklahoma City's offense, Holmgren will as well.

"Giddey is 6'8", but he's a point guard on a rookie contract," Bleacher Report continued. "A power forward or center should be able exceed the 7.8 and 7.9 rebounds he averaged in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively, [and] incoming 7'0" rookie Chet Holmgren could change that." 

Holmgren showed off his defensive impact during Summer League in Las Vegas plenty of times. He recorded numerous blocks and was able to affect shots in a way only he could, given his height. But the next stage of his game will come on offense and how efficient he ends up being. 

Yes, Holmgren is a potential way-too-early Rookie of the Year, but he has to prove it.

"The Thunder selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, but he missed all of last season with a foot injury," Bleacher Report concluded. "If he can supplement the wealth of playmaking and defensive switchability provided by Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams with above-average rebounding, finishing and rim protection, OKC could threaten the 50-win threshold." 

Fifty wins isn't a bad place to be at the for Thunder — especially after showing how far it could go last season without Holmgren. For that to happen, however, Holmgren will need to show out on both ends of the basketball like he did this summer. 

And if he does, Oklahoma City really could hit the next level of its potential this season.

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