Thunder Rookie Chet Holmgren 'Appreciates' OKC's Front Office
Over the last few seasons, player empowerment has taken over the NBA.
In previous decades, players had little say in what their respective organizations' decisions or plans for the future, being kept out of front office discussions almost entirely.
Now, players have much more control in their situations, having the ability to ask for a trade or demand a higher contract if they feel they need it.
On The Old Man & The Three Podcast, former Philadelphia 76er Andre Iguodala revealed information about how he was treated by the organization. Iguodala was approaching a contract extension, in which he hoped to get a hefty deal, but Philadelphia was in tanking mode to get a higher draft pick.
Iguodala wanted to go out and get his numbers so he could maximize the amount of money he would receive in the offseason, but the organization did not prioritize Igoudala's needs.
For incoming players drafted to their first NBA teams, the pressures and unknowns of entering the league and knowing what their organization wants out of them can be overwhelming.
Evan Turner also touched on this during the podcast, questioning the people that players are supposed to trust in their organization regarding injuries and player health.
A difference that separates the Oklahoma City Thunder apart from a large majority of the rest of the NBA, is their willingness to take care of players.
Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren is one of the biggest examples, as the team allowed him to sit out the entire 2022-23 season due to an injury and recover. Oklahoma City avoided rushing back the rookie for the sake of a single season's win-loss record or to fill the arena, prioritizing Holmgren's health and future in the NBA.
"Seeing this makes me appreciate the Thunder front office even more," Holmgren said.
Holmgren has shown appreciation for the care that Oklahoma City has given him over the past year, which goes a long way in making the rookie want to play for the franchise.
Also, Oklahoma City has taken care of players who have come through the organization in the past, finding ways to keep their time with the Thunder as smooth as possible, even if it is just for a week in the offseason. This usually came with players that the Thunder took on for draft picks, and they allowed the players to move to a winning situation so they wouldn't be stuck on a rebuilding team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder organization has made itself one of the most desirable teams for NBA players to play for, even as one of the league's smallest markets. Continuing to protect players and prioritize their needs over the organization will help Oklahoma City going forward in shaping a championship-contending team.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
