The Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling right now, and their 8-2 mark in January is no fluke. This team is playing with purpose, poise, and a whole lot of talent.
At the center of it all-both figuratively and literally-is the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to deliver night in and night out. But as good as SGA has been, he’s not doing it alone.
One name that keeps rising to the surface: Chet Holmgren.
With Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, Holmgren has taken on more minutes at the five, and he’s not just holding his own-he’s thriving. The second-year big man has stepped into a larger role and made it look seamless, anchoring the defense while flashing the kind of offensive versatility that makes coaches and teammates alike take notice.
And no one’s appreciating Holmgren’s impact more than Gilgeous-Alexander himself.
“Whatever you need from him, he goes out there, and he attacks it. He’s a competitor.
He takes advantage of every opportunity he gets. That’s why he’ll be an All-Star this year,” SGA said after Monday’s win.
That’s not just praise-that’s a full-on endorsement from one of the league’s top players. And it carries weight.
Holmgren’s game is built on adaptability. He’s long, mobile, and smart-able to switch defensively, protect the rim, and space the floor offensively.
That kind of two-way versatility is rare, especially from a young big. But what makes Holmgren stand out even more is his willingness to adjust his role depending on what the team needs.
That’s the kind of mentality that wins games-and wins over locker rooms.
He’s not just filling in for Hartenstein; he’s redefining what the Thunder can be with him at the center spot. His ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander.
His rim protection gives perimeter defenders the confidence to press up. And his basketball IQ keeps him in the right spots, whether he’s defending the pick-and-roll or initiating offense from the top of the key.
The All-Star talk? It’s more than justified.
Holmgren is impacting winning on both ends, and he’s doing it with a maturity beyond his years. He’s not just a promising young player-he’s a difference-maker on a team with real aspirations.
And when your MVP is publicly backing your All-Star case, that says something. It says you’re not just part of the system-you’re a pillar of it.
The Thunder are playing like a team that knows who they are. Gilgeous-Alexander is the heartbeat, but Holmgren is quickly becoming the spine-steady, strong, and essential.
If this is the version of Chet Holmgren we’re getting moving forward, Oklahoma City isn’t just a good team. They’re a dangerous one.