Chet Holmgren Named All-Star Reserve, But Not Everyone’s Buying It
The NBA unveiled its All-Star reserves on Sunday night, and as always, the roster sparked plenty of debate. While several familiar names made the cut, one of the more intriguing selections was Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, who earned his first All-Star nod. At 23 years old, Holmgren has been a key piece of the Thunder’s rise to the top of the NBA standings, and his inclusion makes sense - at least on paper.
Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game this season - impressive numbers for a rookie center still finding his full rhythm in the league. His defensive presence has been a cornerstone of OKC’s identity, and his ability to stretch the floor on offense has helped unlock a more dynamic Thunder attack.
With Oklahoma City owning the NBA’s best record, it’s not unusual to see them rewarded with multiple All-Star selections. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a lock, and Holmgren’s numbers - coupled with team success - made him a strong candidate.
Still, not everyone agrees with the decision.
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas voiced his skepticism on The Gilbert Arenas Show, questioning whether Holmgren’s role warranted an All-Star spot over more established stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
“Your team is number one, we get it,” Arenas said. “But it’s the third option. Please get the first option players first, then you can move on to option twos, then threes.”
Arenas’ argument hinges on the idea that All-Star selections should prioritize players carrying the offensive load - not role players, even if they’re excelling in their roles on elite teams. And when you look at the numbers, Leonard and Harden both have strong cases.
Kawhi is having a resurgence, averaging a career-best 27.6 points per game along with 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists, shooting a blistering 49.5% from the field. Harden, meanwhile, is putting up 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game - vintage numbers for the former MVP. Both players have been central to the Clippers’ recent push, helping them climb to a 23-25 record after a rough start.
That’s where the frustration intensifies. The Clippers, who are hosting this year’s All-Star festivities, won’t have a single player representing them on the court - despite having two high-profile names with All-Star-level production. That’s a tough pill to swallow for fans in L.A., especially when players like Deni Avdija and Pascal Siakam made the team despite being on struggling squads.
Arenas didn’t hold back in his critique of Holmgren’s selection, emphasizing the difference between being a solid contributor and being a dominant force.
“You are not an All-Star player right now,” he said. “You’re on the best team in the NBA, and you’re doing okay, but you’re not dominating.”
It’s a fair point to consider. Holmgren’s impact is undeniable - particularly on the defensive end - but he’s not the focal point of the Thunder’s offense.
That title belongs to Gilgeous-Alexander, with Jalen Williams (when healthy) also playing a significant role. Holmgren’s All-Star case is built more on team success and two-way versatility than eye-popping box scores.
But this is the Western Conference - a gauntlet of elite talent where someone deserving always gets left out. That’s the harsh reality of All-Star voting. Leonard and Harden are victims of the numbers game this time around, even if their resumes scream “All-Star.”
Holmgren’s selection may not carry the star power of Kawhi or the flair of Harden, but it reflects the league’s growing appreciation for team-first players who impact winning. Whether or not he "deserves" the spot is up for debate, but one thing’s clear: the Thunder are rolling, and Holmgren’s presence is a big reason why.