Why Chet Holmgren makes 2025-26 Thunder season so tantalizing after title run

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren played only 32 regular-season games before the team's historic 2025 NBA Finals victory, which culminated in a championship. Despite his limited experience, Holmgren serves as a key stretch big and rim protector for the Thunder, and he is still developing as a player, with improvements noted in his jump shot over the summer.

Thunder GM Sam Presti highlighted Holmgren's potential during a preseason press conference, expressing excitement for the 2025-26 season given Holmgren's limited career total of 114 regular-season games. Presti emphasized that Holmgren's partnership with Isaiah Hartenstein is particularly promising, as they have played only about 20 games together, offering room for growth in the upcoming season.

Holmgren's regular season was disrupted by a fractured hip after just 10 games, but the Thunder managed his return carefully to capitalize on a deep playoff run. He and Hartenstein began playing together in head coach Mark Daigneault's double-big lineup during the postseason, with positive results that contributed to the championship success.

Presti praised Holmgren's instinctual ability to drive winning, noting that his value extends beyond statistics or highlight plays to connecting the team to victory. In Game 7 of the Finals against the Indiana Pacers, Holmgren made history with five blocks, along with 18 points, eight rebounds, and one steal, sealing the championship win.

During the offseason, Holmgren worked with shooting coach Drew Hanlen to improve his offensive approach, focusing on balance, playing off contact, and slowing down his game. He adopted Hanlen's meticulous methods, including attention to detail and tactical footing, which he plans to utilize to his advantage in the 2025-26 season.