The Oklahoma City Thunder have significantly excelled in the early stages of the 2025-26 regular season, showcasing one of the most formidable performances in recent basketball history. Much of this success can be attributed to the exceptional play of Chet Holmgren, who is rapidly evolving into a dominant force in the league.
In his third season, Holmgren is posting a career-high average of 18.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 56.2% from the field and grabbing 7.9 rebounds each night. He is increasingly being considered a potential All-Star, as his offensive efficiency enhances his value alongside his inherent talent.
Defensively, Holmgren is making a strong case for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He exhibits outstanding rim protection and disciplined defensive play, demonstrating the ability to compete at a high level while maintaining low foul counts—a rarity among many young big men in today’s NBA.
As Holmgren gains confidence in his skills, he is beginning to recognize that he is nearly unguardable. While Victor Wembanyama may possess the tools necessary to challenge him, he remains one of the few who can effectively limit Holmgren’s impact on the game. With his unique combination of size, skill, and shooting range, there truly is no one else capable of consistently defending him.
This season, Holmgren’s assertive mentality has led to a notable increase in his scoring, averaging 3.3 more points and shooting 7.2% better than in previous seasons. His willingness to assert himself and not be moved off his spots on the court reflects a growing understanding of his potential. This realization poses a daunting prospect for opposing teams.
Holmgren’s continued development is crucial to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s aspirations for repeating their remarkable success. His versatility enhances the team’s offensive spacing, amplifies rim protection, and supports a rapid-paced style of play that the Thunder thrive on. Remarkably, despite having missed over half of last season, he has seamlessly integrated back into the team’s system.
As Holmgren continues to refine his game, he has undeniably been a significant factor in the Thunder’s impressive 17-1 start this season. His rising confidence and aggression on the court indicate that he is just beginning to unleash his full potential, underscoring a hopeful and exciting future for both him and the team.