Chet Holmgren's durability has been on full display this season as he accomplished the rare feat of playing in all 82 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a tweet celebrating this milestone, Holmgren shared a meme featuring Ja Morant looking exhausted on the bench—a humorous nod to his own endurance throughout the grueling NBA season.
Holmgren's consistency on the court is particularly remarkable considering his previous setback—a Lisfranc Fracture that sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season. Despite doubts about his durability, especially after the injury suffered against LeBron James in a pro-am game, the Gonzaga product has silenced skeptics by proving his resilience in the face of a demanding NBA schedule.
Joining the elite company of only six other rookies who have played in all 82 games in a season, Holmgren's achievement highlights his impact on the Thunder's roster. His presence has been instrumental in revitalizing the team's defense and contributing to their best season since 2013-14.
Averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, Holmgren has been a versatile force for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His impact extends beyond traditional statistics, with his defensive presence disrupting opponents and anchoring the team's strategy.
Notably, Holmgren's feat adds to the Thunder's history books, as he becomes just the eighth player in franchise history to complete a full 82-game season. His name now stands alongside Thunder legends like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka.
As the Thunder gear up for the playoffs with aspirations of securing the top spot in the Western Conference, Holmgren's endurance serves as a testament to his dedication and determination. With his reliability on the court, the Thunder can approach postseason contention with confidence in their young core's ability to compete at the highest level.
Chet Holmgren Agrees With Skip Bayless' MVP Take On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Chet Holmgren added a touch of humor to the MVP conversation by echoing Skip Bayless' endorsement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for this year's MVP award. Following the Thunder's resounding victory over the Dallas Mavericks, securing the top seed in the Western Conference, Bayless reiterated his belief that if OKC claimed the No. 1 spot, Gilgeous-Alexander should be crowned MVP.
His confident proclamation sparked reactions across social media, with Holmgren cheekily dubbing it a "rare Skip W," acknowledging Bayless' uncharacteristic win in the MVP prediction game.
Indeed, Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case is compelling. His contributions to the Thunder's success this season have been undeniable. Averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting an impressive 53.5% from the field, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
His stellar performances have propelled OKC to heights few expected, solidifying his status as a top contender for the league's most prestigious individual honor.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable season, he remains an underdog in the MVP race according to oddsmakers, trailing behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Jokic, in particular, stands as the overwhelming favorite, boasting impressive statistics and leading the Denver Nuggets to a strong second-place finish in the West.
However, as the Thunder clinch the top seed and Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine, Bayless' bold prediction may not be as far-fetched as initially thought. With OKC surpassing Jokic's Nuggets in the standings, the narrative around the MVP race could shift in Gilgeous-Alexander's favor, potentially turning Bayless' words into reality.
As the playoffs loom and Gilgeous-Alexander prepares to lead the Thunder on their postseason journey, the MVP debate adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating NBA season. Whether Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately claims the MVP title remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: his impact on the court and his team's success cannot be ignored.
More must-reads: