Oklahoma City Thunder’s star center Chet Holmgren is set to miss eight to ten weeks after suffering a right iliac wing fracture during Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of the Thunder’s 127-116 loss when Holmgren fell hard while contesting a shot.
The 21-year-old, who finished as the runner-up for the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, has been a cornerstone of the Thunder’s impressive 8-1 start to the season.
Holmgren was averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 40% from three-point range. His defensive impact was evident, ranking third in the league in blocks.
“Chet’s injury is tough for us, but his resilience is well-known,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “We’re confident he’ll come back strong, just as he did last year.”
Holmgren’s absence adds to Oklahoma City’s injury woes, as the team is also missing forward Isaiah Hartenstein, who fractured his left hand during pre-season.
Hartenstein, signed to a franchise-record three-year, $87 million contract, is expected to return in December. The injuries leave the Thunder without two key players as they aim to build on their strong start.
Holmgren’s latest setback is especially disheartening given his triumphant return from a Lisfranc fracture that sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season.
Drafted second overall in 2022, Holmgren debuted last season, playing all 82 games and averaging 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. His performances helped Oklahoma City secure the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed with a 57-25 record.
Despite the challenges, the Thunder remain optimistic about Holmgren’s recovery and return later this season. A status update is expected within 8-10 weeks.
Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor offensively and anchor the team defensively has been pivotal to Oklahoma City’s success. Without him, the Thunder will need increased contributions from players like Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to sustain their momentum.
“This team has faced adversity before, and we’ve always found a way to adapt,” Daigneault said. “We’ll rally together and continue to compete.”
Holmgren’s injury also rekindles concerns about his durability, as this marks his second significant setback since entering the league. However, his impressive recovery and performance following his foot injury last year suggest he has the tenacity to bounce back once again.
With Holmgren expected to return later this season, the Thunder hope to remain competitive in a challenging Western Conference, keeping their playoff ambitions alive.
