Shams: Thunder's Chet Holmgren Feared to Have Ligament Damage After Foot Injury
Aug 24, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles on the court during a game against the Orlando Magic during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren is feared to have suffered ligament damage in his foot, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Exams show Chet Holmgren has potential torn ligaments in his foot, sources said. A timetable is being determined based on further evaluations. https://t.co/vig5zWOSzz
Holmgren has been on the national radar since he was at Minnehaha Academy High School. He was the nation's No. 1 college recruit in 2021 by 247Sports' composite rankings and committed to play at Gonzaga.
During his lone season in college, Holmgren was a consensus second-team All-American selection and won WCC Defensive Player of the Year. The seven-footer averaged 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds to help the Bulldogs reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.
After declaring for the 2022 NBA draft, Holmgren was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Thunder. He showed impact potential in five summer league games, averaging 14.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.8 blocks per contest.
The Thunder have been going through a significant roster rebuild for the past two seasons. They are starting to see results with players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Josh Giddey looking like key pieces for the future.
Holmgren has the potential to be the centerpiece of the entire roster. His injury is a setback, and now the Thunder will wait to see just how big of a setback it is, depending on the final diagnosis.
Thunder's Chet Holmgren Leaves CrawsOver Pro-Am with Apparent Ankle Injury
Aug 21, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Chet Holmgren talks to the media after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft on June 23, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren suffered an apparent ankle injury while playing in the CrawsOver Pro-Am on Saturday in Seattle, according to Theo Lawson of The Spokesman-Review.
Holmgren exited less than two minutes into the game. He was guarding LeBron James one-on-one when he suffered the injury and can be seen in the video below limping while trying to get back up the court.
The game was eventually canceled in the second quarter due to condensation on the floor caused by humidity in the venue.
It's a tough blow for Holmgren, who is set to enter his rookie season with the Thunder after being selected second overall in the 2022 NBA draft. He was considered the best big man in the 2022 class.
However, the Thunder aren't slated to begin the 2022-23 season until Oct. 19, which gives Holmgren plenty of time to rest his ankle. The injury also didn't appear to be serious, which is a good sign.
If Holmgren misses any time during the upcoming season, the Thunder can turn to Mike Muscala and Jaylin Williams at center. However, none are as effective as the former Gonzaga standout.
The 20-year-old had an impressive freshman season at Gonzaga, averaging 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 3.7 blocks in 32 games while shooting 60.7 percent from the floor. He was a Consensus All-American and named the WCC Defensive Player of the Year.
Thunder 2022-23 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 17, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses during the 2022 NBA Rookie Portraits at UNLV on July 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't exactly on the precipice of winning NBA titles, as general manager Sam Presti continues to stockpile young, talented stars with his bevy of first-round draft picks. But the long-term future does look bright.
The backcourt of leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and nightly triple-double threat Josh Giddey showcased much promise last year, and they are surrounded by other talents including Lu Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski.
However, the Thunder now have one of the most exciting players in all of basketball after adding Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft.
The Gonzaga product dominated summer league play on both ends and showed tremendous potential at this level. He could end up being the catalyst that leads OKC out of the bottom tier of the NBA standings.
For now, the pressure isn't on the Thunder to make the playoffs this year. They are still in rebuilding mode with a young group still developing together that also includes three other 2022 draft picks in Jalen Williams, Peyton Watson and Jaylin Williams.
We'll see what the future holds, but for now, here's a look at the 2022-23 Thunder schedule alongside some matchup notes and season predictions.
The Thunder are among a group of young, rebuilding teams stockpiling potential All-Star talent with the hopes of contending in the not-too-distant future.
One of those other teams is the Orlando Magic, which took Duke forward Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.
They also have a host of other potential stars, including Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner.
It will be interesting to see Banchero vs. Holmgren, as well as the rest of the talented crews, do battle. Neither team is positioned to win much this year, but the entertainment factor will be high for both squads.
Houston Rockets (First Game: Nov. 26)
The Thunder and Rockets have adopted similar rebuilding tactics, with the hopes of grabbing a ton of first-round picks, adding lottery-level talent and letting the groups develop over time.
Houston is building around a young core that includes second-year wings Jalen Green and Josh Christopher, rookie forwards Jabari Smith and Tari Eason and center Alperun Sengun. The Rockets feature a young, exciting crew, and their long-term prospects are high.
The Thunder and Rockets could well be major rivals later in the decade as they compete for Western Conference positioning, much like when the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook-led Thunder and the James Harden-guided Rockets battled in the 2010s.
It's a new era in Houston and OKC, though, and their battles this year could foreshadow those with more on the line down the road.
Season Forecast
The Western Conference is simply too loaded for OKC to make much of a dent in this year's standings. Nine of its 15 teams finished .500 or better last year, and it's hard to make a case for any of them to see a big slide down outside the now-rebuilding Utah Jazz.
Some of the losing teams should make steps forward, including the Sacramento Kings (adding potential superstar rookie Keegan Murray), Portland Trail Blazers (adding Jerami Grant, welcoming back Damian Lillard) and Los Angeles Lakers (welcoming back Anthony Davis).
That leaves a trio of potential teams fighting to get out of the West basement in the San Antonio Spurs, Rockets and Thunder, although it appears OKC might have the biggest leg up with a potential superstar looming in Holmgren.
Ultimately, it's hard to envision the Thunder even threatening much for the play-in tournament, but they could be in the playoff mix as early as 2024 given their tremendous talent.
Record Prediction: 28-54 (No. 13 in West)
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Kevin Durant Praises Chet Holmgren's Summer League Debut: 'I See U Cookin 7'
Jul 6, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JULY 05: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on July 05, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren tried to look like Kevin Durant on the court in his summer-league debut, and he caught the attention of the 12-time All-Star.
Holmgren wore Durant's number and some KD shoes for his first game with the Thunder against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. He then turned heads on the court with 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting, adding seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks.
The debut showed Holmgren's early potential after he was drafted No. 2 last month.
Holmgren showed this type of wide skill set throughout last season at Gonzaga, averaging 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.
The Utah Summer League is only an exhibition, and the Jazz roster Holmgren faced featured few players who will make the NBA roster. Still, it was an exciting debut that showed Holmgren's upside as he begins his professional career.
Durant, who spent eight seasons in Oklahoma City, already seems to be a fan of the 20-year-old.
Chet Holmgren on Breaking Summer League Block Record: 'I'm Coming to Break It Again'
Jul 6, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JULY 05: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Vic Law #70 of the Utah Jazz during a NBA Summer League game at Vivint Arena on July 05, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie center Chet Holmgren had an impressive NBA Summer League debut Tuesday, recording 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists and setting a summer-league record with six blocks.
After leading his team to a 98-77 victory, Holmgren said he's not satisfied and plans on extending the blocks record the next time he gets on the floor:
"Only six? That's the record? Oh, well I'm coming to break it again."
Holmgren's confidence to surpass six blocks in a game is warranted. As a freshman at Gonzaga last year, he reached that number five times and recorded seven blocks in a game twice, including in the season opener. He finished the year with averages of 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 3.7 blocks per game.
Against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Holmgren looked like a veteran rim protector and defensive anchor. He also was efficient on offense, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and hitting four of his six three-pointers.
The Thunder also got strong games out of rookie Jalen Williams and sophomore guard Josh Giddey. Williams finished with 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Giddey added 14 points and 11 assists.
Holmgren's dominant performance received a ton of praise on social media. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft showed the skills that had many experts pegging him as the player with the most potential in this year's class.
B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote in his scouting report: "The draft's top defensive prospect, Holmgren should be an immediate difference-maker with his elite rim-protection tools and instincts. Still, for a 7-footer, it's his shooting, ball-handling, passing flashes and finishing that create the highest ceiling of any prospect in the 2022 class."
If Tuesday is any indication, Holmgren has a strong chance of surpassing the projections placed upon him.
Chet Holmgren, Thunder Agree to 4-Year Rookie Contract
Jul 5, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Chet Holmgren talks to the media after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft on June 23, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren have officially agreed to terms on a rookie contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed per team policy, but first-rounders receive four-year deals per the NBA's rookie-scale structure.
Holmgren figures to be Oklahoma City's starting center in 2022-23 and beyond after a standout freshman season with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The Minnesota native averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 3.7 blocks in 32 games while shooting 60.7 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from deep, in addition to a 71.7 free-throw percentage.
Holmgren was a consensus All-American and the 2021-22 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and 2021-22 WCC Newcomer of the Year.
With Holmgren's help, Gonzaga reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, where the Bulldogs fell to No. 4 seed Arkansas. He had 11 points, 14 rebounds and one assist in that game.
The 20-year-old will take over for Isaiah Roby in Oklahoma City and will also be above a number of veterans on the depth chart thanks to his immense skill set. He joins an impressive young group of players that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Aleksej Pokusevski and Ty Jerome.
With Holmgren aboard, the Thunder will be hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season. However, that's easier said than done in a difficult Western Conference.
Report: Lu Dort's $1.9M Contract Option Declined by Thunder; SF to Become RFA
Jun 29, 2022
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort celebrates after a three-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have declined the $1.9 million team option in the
contract of guard Luguentz Dort for the 2022-23 NBA season, according to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania.
The decision makes Dort a restricted free agent and allows the two sides to negotiate a new deal, Charania added.
Dort has made steady progress since
signing with OKC as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
The 23-year-old averaged career highs in points (17.2), rebounds (4.2) and
three-pointers (2.5) during the 2021-22 campaign, but his season came to a premature end in February because of a shoulder injury.
Despite Dort's continued improvement, his
offensive efficiency remains a concern as he knocked down just 40.4
percent of his shots, including 33.2 percent of his threes, across 51
appearances. He did convert on 84.3 percent of his free-throw
attempts, though.
In April, the Arizona State product explained he was focused
on his recovery from the injury and not a potential contract
extension with the Thunder, saying his agent would handle those
discussions.
"It's healing. It's getting better. ... I still got about two, three months before being back at 100
percent," Dort told reporters. "I'm really taking my time with
that."
The Montreal native did say he felt
Oklahoma City was in position to make a major leap next season.
"We're going to be a team that shocks
people," Dort said.
The Thunder's decision to decline the
team option is an even bigger shock. Between his gradual improvement
and team-friendly salary for next season, it seemed like a
virtual lock the front office would keep him for another year while
working on a long-term extension.
Instead, the 6'3" Dort will head into free
agency and should emerge as a highly coveted target on the open
market. He could fit either as a secondary contributor on a
championship contender or another high-upside building block for a
team looking toward the future.
Jaylin Williams Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Thunder Roster
Jun 24, 2022
Arkansas forward Jaylin Williams (10) reacts during the first half of a college basketball game against Duke in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA men's tournament in San Francisco, Saturday, March 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Jaylin Williams turned a strong sophomore season for the Arkansas Razorbacks into a roster spot in the NBA after the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the No. 34 overall pick in this year's NBA draft on Thursday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Jaylin Williams
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comparison: Bobby Portis
Scouting Report: Williams could return to an Arkansas team that loaded up with high-profile freshman. Or, he could sell teams now on his impact role-player potential as a big who passes, takes charge, plays with energy and occasionally makes defenses pay with mid-range shooting and drives.
After a quiet freshman season (3.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG), Williams was excellent in the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field but just 23.9 percent from three.
Per Andy Hodges of All Hogs, when Williams was "the nearest Razorbacks defender to a shot, opponents made 37.2 percent of two-point attempts during the regular season, including 36.4 percent in SEC play."
And he showed out in the NCAA tournament, averaging 14.2 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in four games, helping lead the Razorbacks to the Elite Eight.
It was a good final impression for scouts and likely played a role in Williams' selection by the Thunder.
Jalen Williams Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Thunder Roster
Jun 24, 2022
BOISE, ID - DECEMBER 14: Guard Jalen Williams #24 of the Santa Clara Broncos shoots the ball during second half action against the Boise State Broncos at ExtraMile Arena on December 14, 2021 in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 70-62. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder used the No. 12 pick in the 2022 NBA draft to select Santa Clara guard Jalen Williams.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Jalen Williams
Position: SG
Height: 6'5"
Pro Comparison: Ayo Dosunmu
Scouting Report: Williams will be one of the most efficient guards in the draft. He has a versatile skill set and defensive tools that should create an easy fit if given the right role.
Williams is coming off a breakout year for the Broncos, averaging 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Only Gonzaga All-American Drew Timme averaged more points per game in the WCC.
He also remained efficient as a go-to option for Santa Clara, shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range.
The 6'5" guard especially turned heads at the NBA scouting combine, measuring a 7'2" wingspan with a 33.5-inch standing vertical that tied for second among all prospects in the class.
With his proven production and physical tools, Williams' game should translate well to the next level as he tries to make an early impact for the Thunder.
Chet Holmgren Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Thunder Roster
Jun 24, 2022
Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren controls the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Saint Mary's, Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Gonzaga star Chet Holmgren is taking his lanky 7'0" frame to Paycom Center after the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him second overall in the 2022 NBA draft Thursday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Chet Holmgren
Position: PF
Height: 7'0"
Pro Comparison: Evan Mobley
Scouting Report: The draft's top defensive prospect, Holmgren should be an immediate difference-maker with his elite rim-protection tools and instincts. Still, for a 7-footer, it's his shooting, ball-handling, passing flashes and finishing that create the highest ceiling of any prospect in the 2022 class.
Before he ever played a game for the Zags, Holmgren was widely tipped to be a top-five pick in this year's draft. He was the No. 1 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2021 recruiting class.
The Minnesota native lived up to the hype in his only year of college. Over 32 games, he averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. He showcased his ability to stretch the floor by making 1.3 three-pointers per game and hitting 39.0 percent of his long-range opportunities.
Holmgren was named a consensus second-team All-American and the WCC Defensive Player of the Year, among other honors.
Holmgren's size and two-way ability leave him perfectly suited for the modern game, and his arrival in Oklahoma City is bound to have the fanbase looking forward to the future.
The big man joins a young, rebuilding Thunder team with a promising backcourt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Oklahoma City needed to improve its frontcourt with an infusion of talent, though, and Holmgren fits that bill. He should slide into the starting lineup right away as the Thunder look to continue to make strides.
OKC isn't on the precipice of playoff contention and must improve an offense with the second-worst efficiency in the league last year, per Basketball-Reference. However, Holmgren should be a big help on both ends as general manager Sam Presti continues to shape the roster.
