Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Is Chet Holmgren NBA's Best Shot Blocker?

Originally posted on Oklahoma City Thunder on SI
By Rylan Stiles | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have the deepest and most talented team in the NBA after winning a championship this past June. As NBA 2K begins to roll out their ratings for this year's game, it is no surprise to see OKC Thunder players littered in the top ten of skillsets.

Wednesday, NBA 2K26 dropped their top ten shot blockers to start this year's game which comes out next month. Thunder big man Chet Holmgren found his name on the list while the Trail Blazers and Mavericks earned two surprising spots in the top ten.

NBA 2K26 Top Ten Shot Blockers

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: 99 overall
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder: 97 overall
Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers: 95 overall
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers: 93 overall
Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz: 93 overall
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers: 91 overall
Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic: 91 overall
Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks: 91 overall
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks: 91 overall
Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers: 90 overall

Note: Ratings go from 0-99.

This seems like a list that got away from NBA 2K in the end. The San Antonio Spurs swatter taking top billing feels right, though splitting hairs perhaps Holmgren should be a 98 rather than 97 but a clear dividing line of the top two rim protectors and No. 3 was a great start by the league's video game.

Though, Williams III ranking not only above his teammate Clingan but especially Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler feels misplaced. Bona already being a 91 at this skill feels premature considering the likes of Anthony Davis and Myles Turner are excluded from the top ten and a 90 overall rating. It certainly feels as though Bona, Gafford and without question Huff belong below the two veteran snubbed big men.

No Jaren Jackson Jr. or Evan Mobley is also eye-popping, but for a game that lacks an ability to track rim protection much beyond the shot blocking rating Rudy Gorbert's precense being felt in the post will be something to watch for early in the game with him missing the top ten list. Only three of last year's top ten in blocks per game made this list for the NBA 2K26.

However, at the top is isn't a debate that Wembanyama and Holmgren sit alone. Seeing a fully healthy season from these two youngsters would be special for the NBA world to witness this season and what everyone is hoping for. They strike fear in driver's eyes.

NBA 2K26 will feature Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the cover and release on Sept. 5 in stores and for digital download.