Thunder set to make Chet Holmgren realization that could make them unstoppable

The Oklahoma City Thunder's $250 million investment in Chet Holmgren, initially criticized by some, could be fully justified if he successfully adds a specific offensive element to his game. Analyst Adam Mares reports that the Thunder are preparing to develop Holmgren into a more self-initiating scorer, particularly off the dribble, aiming to elevate him to ultimate stardom in the 2025-26 season.

Already recognized as a defensive cornerstone and ranked second in Defensive Player of the Year odds after playing a key role in the Thunder's championship win, Holmgren becoming a well-rounded offensive threat would make him even more formidable. Mares points to evidence of this potential from the very start of the 2024-25 season. Before suffering a right iliac wing fracture, Holmgren was highly active and effective off the bounce, averaging 18.2 points on 51.9% shooting (40.0% from three) with a 24.2% usage rate in his first nine healthy games.

Following a three-month hiatus due to the hip injury, Holmgren struggled to regain his pre-injury form upon return. His offensive role shifted primarily to off-ball, catch-and-shoot situations. While his averages remained solid (14.3 points per game on 38.0% three-point shooting), his early-season burst and aggression were significantly diminished, a trend that continued even during the Thunder's playoff title run where his offense wasn't at its peak.

The hope is that a full offseason of rest and rehabilitation will allow Holmgren to sustain his pre-injury level of offensive production and dynamism throughout the entire upcoming season. Achieving this would not only validate the massive contract but could also propel him to All-Star status alongside teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Adding a fully realized, offensively versatile Holmgren to the Thunder's core could make the defending champions virtually unstoppable.