The Thunder “believe in Chet Holmgren” — even if some others don’t.
On Monday’s segment of “NBA Today”, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon made his thoughts on Holmgren clear: He’s a building block for the Thunder moving forward, even after his disastrous Game 7 and overall series against the Thunder.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder believe in Chet Holmgren,” MacMahon said. “They believe in his talent. They believe in his character. They believe in his work ethic.”
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After Holmgren’s dud in the Western Conference finals against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, the big man has his fair share of critics.
In the Thunder’s 111-103 Game 7 loss to San Antonio on Saturday, Holmgren took just two shots and scored a playoff-low four points in roughly 33 minutes.
Ogwumike said that while Holmgren was open for shots, he chose not to take them as Wembanyama disrupted his entire flow.
“It’s not like Chet has an issue in the NBA. He has a Victor Wembanyama issue, more specifically ” ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike added. “If I’m Chet Holmgren, I’m turning off the TV, getting some rest, and then I’m locking myself in the gym. Because it was more so a mindset thing than it was a talent thing.”
Holmgren’s woes against San Antonio in Game 7 weren’t anything new.
In 11 games against the Spurs this season, including the playoffs, Holmgren averaged just 10.6 points per game, shot 46 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3.
Against all other teams this season, Holmgren averaged 17.6 points per game, shot 57 percent from the field and 37 percent from downtown.
“I like to give people some grace, but he (Holmgren) has to figure it out soon,” Ogwumike said. “Because there’s (Nikola) Jokic in the West. There’s Wemby in the West. There’s (Rudy) Gobert in the West.”
Even with trade rumors swirling, MacMahon doesn’t think Oklahoma City has any plans to move its 24-year-old star.
“This idea that it’s time to pull the plug on Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City — I can promise you this, (Thunder general manager) Sam Presti will not be taking that advice,” MacMahon said.
The Thunder have key decisions to make this offseason, but trading Holmgren may not be one of them.