In a recent report that has shaken the NBA community, an insider revealed the injury timeline for Oklahoma City Thunder’s highly anticipated rookie, Chet , and unfortunately, the news is not good. , who was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, had been one of the most hyped prospects in recent years. However, after suffering a serious injury during the 2022 , the rookie has not been able to make his debut in the league, and now the timeline for his recovery raises serious concerns about his future in the NBA.
Chet injury occurred in early August 2022, during a pro-am game at the Jamal Crawford’s Seattle Pro-Am League. Despite the relatively low-stakes nature of the event, the injury was catastrophic for both and the Oklahoma City Thunder. , who had been showing tremendous promise in pre-season workouts, suffered a torn ligament in his right foot. This is a significant injury that involves damage to the bones or ligaments in the middle of the foot, making it difficult for players to pivot, accelerate, and jump—the fundamental movements required in basketball.
The injury immediately put a halt to Holmgren’s rookie season, and he was ruled out for the entirety of the 2022-2023 campaign. Fans and analysts alike were crushed by the news, as had been expected to make an immediate impact in his first season. Coming off a stellar collegiate career at Gonzaga, where he averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game, had the skills and size (7-feet tall with a 7’6″ wingspan) to be a game-changing force in the NBA. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch while being a formidable rim protector on defense made him an intriguing prospect. However, his injury left a massive hole in the Thunder’s plans.
The most recent reports regarding Holmgren’s injury timeline, as shared by NBA insiders, have raised some concerns. While initial reports following the injury indicated that would be sidelined for the full 2022-2023 season, the latest updates suggest that his recovery process is taking longer than anticipated, and his readiness for the 2023-2024 season remains uncertain.
is reportedly making slow but steady progress in his rehab. However, it’s not just the foot injury itself that is causing concern—there’s also the psychological aspect of returning from a major injury. injuries are notoriously difficult to fully recover from, and many players who suffer such injuries face challenges when it comes to regaining their full athletic potential. In Holmgren’s case, the Thunder have been cautious with his recovery, prioritizing long-term health over rushing him back into action.
Several sources have mentioned that while Holmgre is expected to participate in some team activities, including non-contact drills, he has yet to be cleared for full contact and competitive play. The team is taking an incredibly careful approach to his rehabilitation, wanting to ensure that he doesn’t face any setbacks during his return to the court.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the delay in Holmgren’s return is a huge blow. The team had high hopes for their young core, which includes rising stars like Shai -Alexander and Josh . The addition of to the mix was expected to elevate the Thunder into a more competitive position in the Western Conference. Holmgren’s versatile skill set, combined with the development of their other young players, would have given the Thunder a significant boost.
However, with Holmgren’s timeline uncertain, Oklahoma City will have to continue to rely on their existing roster. The team showed flashes of potential in the 2022-2023 season, especially with -Alexander emerging as a superstar. Despite the setbacks, there is still optimism surrounding the Thunder’s future, with the team’s young core gaining valuable experience. Still, without defensive presence and floor-spacing ability, it is difficult to predict just how much the Thunder will be able to accomplish in the near future.
As Chet continues his rehab, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether he will ever return to the form he showcased before the injury. The road to recovery from a injury is never straightforward, and Holmgren’s future remains uncertain. The Thunder have already expressed confidence in Holmgren’s potential, but the injury does raise the question of whether he will be able to live up to his pre-draft hype.
Ultimately, the recovery process will be a key storyline for and the Oklahoma City Thunder moving forward. While the latest injury update is far from encouraging, there’s still hope that the young center can overcome this setback and make an impact in the NBA once he’s fully healthy. However, until that happens, fans will have to remain patient as they wait for Holmgren’s eventual return to the court.
