Yes, Victor Wembanyama is a star but there’s one young, rising star in particular who plays a vital role for a young, rising team who’s poised to be this season’s true breakout star.
The name is Chet Holmgren. Don’t overlook the potential Holmgren.
Chet Holmgren: The Next NBA Breakout Star in 2024-25
Holmgren was Overshadowed due to the Wembanyama Hype
Wembanyama was the first rookie to win Rookie of the Year unanimously since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015-16, deservedly so. Wembanyama certainly lived up to the lofty expectations in his rookie campaign and is on his way to becoming a global superstar.
While the San Antonio Spurs only won 22 games and had the fourth-worst record in the league last season, the OKC Thunder won 57 games and earned the No. 1 seed in the West.
After missing his first year with a Lisfranc foot injury, Holmgren played all 82 games in 2023-24 and averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks on 53% from the floor, 37% from deep and 79% from the free throw line.
Holmgren was arguably the second best player on the Thunder behind MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and depending on who you ask, second-year wing Jalen Williams.
Due to OKC’s five-out offensive system and the players the Thunder had to fill specific roles, Holmgren couldn’t showcase his full arsenal.
Due to key offseason acquisitions, OKC have constructed a roster and built and an environment that he can thrive in.
Chet Holmgren runs point, spins, and finishes through contact 💪
OKC-PHX Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/q4r21JqPC7
— NBA (@NBA) March 4, 2024
Holmgren’s Full Skill Set Will Be On Display
Before Wembanyama arrived in the NBA, Holmgren was the NBA’s next unicorn big.
Standing at 7’1, before arriving into the NBA, the Gonzaga product — showcased legitimate guard skills on offense while being one the best defensive prospects and rim protectors over the past decade. He could dribble, shoot and pass. He can knock it down from deep and he can also create his own shot off the dribble.
Chet Holmgren showcased his potential with a career night in a thrilling OT win over the Warriors 😤
🔥 36 PTS (career-high)
🔥 10 REB
🔥 5 AST
🔥 63% FG pic.twitter.com/gDvBKbQieh— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2023
These types of players doesn’t just grow on trees and it’s rare for a player over 7 foot to possess that kind of repertoire.
During his rookie season with the Thunder, he was limited to more of a spot-up shooter, pick-and-roll role — due to the ball being in the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey. Another key factor that hindered Holmgren, was him being OKC’s lone big; (outside of Jaylin Williams, who’s undersized at 6’9) in Head Coach Mark Daigneault’s rotation.
After the Thunder’s deficiencies were exposed in the playoffs, General Manager Sam Presti signed — Isaiah Hartenstein from New York.
With the addition of Hartenstein, it relieves a lot of pressure off of Holmgren, and now Holmgren is free to show everything in his arsenal.
With Josh Giddey’s departure, the Thunder has indicated that Holmgren will take on more playmaking duties. He and Hartenstein can play together, allowing Holmgren to roam the perimeter, hunting open shots and attacking closeouts and mismatches.
When him and Hartenstein share the floor defensively, Holmgren can play as a roamer and help defender. Or, when Holmgren is the lone big on the floor, the Thunder are better equipped for their five-out offensive system.
“You just don’t see that from a rookie.”
Chet Holmgren’s defensive impact was IMMEDIATE last season!#NBADefenseWeek pic.twitter.com/e6ESHgrTFY
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2024
The Thunder are already one of the best teams in the NBA despite being one of the youngest. With a few offseason moves, OKC should be even better, primarily due to Holmgren’s anticipated improvement.
