Chet Holmgren is one of the biggest names on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster. With his big contract, a lot is expected from him on both ends of the floor. He is excellent on defense, but he leaves a lot to be desired on the offensive end. He is a good offensive player, scoring 18.3 points per game on 57.1% from the field and 39% from three.
However, the Thunder needs to have better offensive options apart from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who regularly scores 30+ points a night. Holmgren's offensive deficiencies were apparent during their latest losses to the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Coach Daigneault loved Holmgren's bounce-back game
Over the Thunder's past five games, they lost three of them. During those losses, Holmgren only averaged 10.3 points per game. That is not what people want to see from a prominent player like Holmgren. He is already effective defensively, but the Thunder would be a much better team if they had a better offense.
Jalen Williams is a fantastic second option, as seen with the Thunder's championship run in 2025. However, he has been dealing with an injury this season, so he has not been up to speed. Considering he is dealing with an injured wrist, that could hamper his ability to shoot the ball.
More: Chet Holmgren gets honest about what the Thunder needed to do to improve on defense
With the expectations being high for Holmgren, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault knows he needs his starting center to step up. Three days after the Thunder's loss to the Spurs, they bounced back with a big win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Holmgren was superb, as he got 29 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. It was a magnificent performance that people were waiting for from Holmgren.
"He was a dominant defensive player first and foremost. He was great at the rim, great in the help, and great in the coverages. He really played at a high level on that end of the floor, and that just changes our team when he’s in the mode," Daigneault said after the win against Philly.
"Had a really good offensive night. I thought we did a good job finding him on the rolls, found him in the zone, found him for some shots, and he mixed in some iso stuff that was good. It was a great overall game for him. He played really well."
As long as Holmgren remains aggressive, the Thunder will be a much better team. They are one of the most dangerous teams in the league, as evidenced by their record and status as champions.
It will be a challenging season ahead, but it appears that Holmgren has found his motivation. A few days after losing to the Spurs yet again, Holmgren looks fresh and ready to meet expectations.
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