Chet Holmgren emerges as All-Star contender with remarkable offensive growth
This season, Chet Holmgren has solidified his status as an All-Star caliber player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Currently sitting at No. 19 in the first fan voting returns, Holmgren is on the brink of his first invite to the mid-winter classic. Through 28 games, he boasts impressive averages of 18.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game. His shooting numbers are particularly striking: a career-high 57% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line.
An offensive leap at age 23
At just 23 years old, Holmgren’s offensive explosion is not entirely surprising when viewed in the context of his development this season. He is converting shots at an unprecedented rate, with 78% shooting at the rim, 51% from mid-range, and matching his best mark from beyond the arc at 39%. So, what’s behind this significant improvement?
Holmgren’s evolution can be attributed to a combination of factors: time spent honing his skills, a productive offseason, and a revamped shot selection. This season, he has embraced a more aggressive approach in pick-and-roll situations, frequently diving to the basket. His increased number of cuts and post-ups has also positioned him closer to the rim, generating easier scoring opportunities.
Efficiency in scoring scenarios
In the pick-and-roll, Holmgren has been remarkably efficient, posting 1.375 points per possession. His effectiveness doesn’t stop there; on cuts, he averages 1.234 points per possession, and in the post, he still maintains a strong 1.071 points per possession. Another aspect of his game that has flourished is his ability to clean up missed shots, contributing significantly with put-backs and benefiting from lobs thrown by his drive-heavy teammates.
Holmgren’s presence around the basket has been instrumental in his scoring increase. This was particularly evident in a recent stretch where he scored 29 points against the 76ers and followed that with a 24-point performance against the Hawks, showcasing his offensive potential on consecutive nights.
Looking forward to consistency
As the Oklahoma City Thunder approach the halfway mark of the season, maintaining this level of performance will be crucial for Holmgren. The adjustments to his positioning on the court—underpinned by his growth as a player and the added strength he has developed—will play a key role in sustaining his success.
While he did experience a challenging stretch against the Spurs, the upcoming rematch in January will be significant for both Holmgren’s narrative and public perception. Yet, it’s vital to recognize the breakout season he is having and the promising trajectory he is on within the league.
