Chet Holmgren’s journey reflects on the challenges all athletes face: physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Chet Holmgren’s Setbacks Lead to Incredible Story
Holmgren’s story was thrown a curveball before even playing an official NBA game. He suffered a Lisfranc injury at Jamal Crawford’s Summer League ProAm, causing him to miss the entire 2022-23 season.
Being away from basketball for a significant amount of time for the first time in his life, Holmgren navigated the peaks and valleys of an emotional journey marked by being sidelined for an entire year. It taught him not to take it for granted and to appreciate and be grateful for the opportunity to play the game he loves.
This shows just how fast the game can be taken away.
Holmgren would go on to play all 92 games (regular season and playoffs) for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2023-24 season. And have a fully healthy offseason to attack and improve.
This would pay dividends for Holmgren, given his early performances, as he was on his way to becoming a first-time All-Star. Then BOOM… Holmgren suffered another freakish injury, on Nov. 10th, this time, a right iliac wing hip fracture. This caused him to miss 39 games and go through another extended rehab and mental battle.
Now, a year later, against the same team, the Golden State Warriors, with the opportunity to put the exclamation point on that chapter of his story, the 23-year-old rising star showcased why he’s well on his way to becoming a first-time All-Star.
Holmgren arguably played his most complete game as a Thunder. Finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds while being a perfect 9-of-9 shooting from the floor, 2-of-2 from three, and 3-of-3 from the free throw line in only three quarters of action. He was even more impressive defensively, shutting down the paint and deterring everything at the rim.
Chet Holmgren's fluidity at 7’1 isn’t talked about enoughNow, we’re seeing multiple aspects of his game being unlocked in various areas: tighter handle — allowing him to create more off the dribble + utilizing the midrange more + quicker & higher release pointHere’s Holmgren’s perfect night⬇️⬇️⬇️
This is the most confident Holmgren has been offensively, and we’re slowly witnessing him being unlocked in multiple areas of the floor: his mid-range game, his ability to punish being matched up with wings, as a vertical threat, and the chemistry in the two-man game with Hartenstein.
This is the most confident we’ve seen Chet Holmgren offensively ➡️ *hence the leap*Which is reflecting with the amount of from trust Daigneault — as Holmgren is becoming more of a staple in the offenseHere’s Holmgren being utilized in a variety of actions + attacking & abusing favorable matchups
Holmgren opens up about having a proactive mindset in attacking the aspects of his game, while also navigating the highs and lows of the season and offseason.
“A lot of times, I think back to the year I was hurt before I played a single basketball game in the NBA. I worked just as hard that summer as I did this summer. This summer was longer. I feel like my rate of improvement. I learn how to get better now. Before, I was just working hard because that’s what I do and I loved to play basketball that way,” Holmgren said. “Going through a long playoff stretch and winning the Finals. You really get the best shot seven times in a row against teams. That teaches you what you need to work on… I feel like I’m learning how to work smart as well as work hard.”
After opening up and reflecting on his journey in overcoming setbacks, he spoke in a postgame press conference following their win against Golden State. After suffering two serious injuries (Lisfranc and a hip fracture) that cost him significant time early in his NBA career, he’s learned to reform his love for the game.
“I wanted this to be my life and what I do. I don’t think that’s ever changed. Obviously, the injuries change your perspective on it,” Holmgren said. “I was happy with basketball being my entire life, and I feel like the injuries helped me realize that there’s more to it than that. Although I can still center my life around basketball.”
Holmgren’s journey is a testament to resilience, mental fortitude, and ultimate self-confidence in the face of adversity. He has emerged as a better basketball player and, most importantly, a mentally and emotionally stronger individual. His story not only serves as an inspiration to athletes but to everyone who walks and faces their own trials.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
