Why Thunder Rookie Chet Holmgren ‘Takes Pride’ Living in OKC

At a community event on Saturday afternoon, rookie sensation Chet Holmgren spoke to the media about what Oklahoma City means to him.

On Saturday, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie big man Chet Holmgren helped open a community basketball court for kids in Spencer, OK. 

In partnership with the Thunder and JD Sports, Holmgren made the trek to help out at the court's opening and sign autographs for children in attendance. 

Some additional photos of Chet Holmgren opening a new local community basketball court earlier today: pic.twitter.com/ZZA3FhqRLh

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 25, 2024

After the festivities, Holmgren spoke with members of the media in Spencer, talking about his love of the Oklahoma City community and why he called the Modern Frontier "our city" during an All-Star Weekend interview with fellow Thunder standout Jalen Williams.

"Definitely feel like saying 'our city' was appropriate because, you know, I feel like I'm a part of this city just as much as anybody who lives here or grew up here," Holmgren said on Saturday. "I take pride in living here and, you know, living here the right way. Doing things for the community, helping people out. So, I definitely feel like it's our city."

This selfless attitude is one of the reasons that Holmgren fits so well in Oklahoma City. Aside from his impressive play on the court, the Minnesota native has strong character traits that General Manager Sam Presti has said are important to the organization. 

Holmgren's presence in the local community just one day before a road game in Houston shows that he and the Thunder are both dedicated to serving the local community, which Clay Bennett and company have continually shown with their community service efforts around the state. 

For Thunder fans, who clearly value loyalty to the city and franchise, hearing Holmgren refer to the Modern Frontier as "our city" certainly is exciting for the team's long-term future.

As a rookie this season, the former Gonzaga standout is averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 54% from the field and 39.6% from 3-point range. 

While Holmgren will likely come in second place in the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year race, the Thunder have found a franchise cornerstone who seems happy in Oklahoma City.

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