Tag: Oklahoma City Thunder

Chet Holmgren shared his emotions from the hospital after a heartbreaking hip injury

This was remarkable insight into the mind of Chet Holmgren after a tough injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren went down with an injury during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors.

While contesting a layup attempt against Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins on Sunday, the 22-year-old made an effort to stop the basket and then landed on his hip.

Unfortunately for Holmgren, he could not put much weight on his right leg following the play and needed help to the locker room. The team then later announced he suffered a pelvic fracture and they would then provide another update in eight to ten weeks.

Holmgren, who also missed his first professional season due to injury, shared his thoughts from the hospital room after the diagnosis:

“Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before. On one hand I know how to approach it, I know what to do, what not to do and how beautiful the other side is. But on the other hand I’ve felt the frustration of this process, and the wear it puts on your mind. Most of all I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while. Everyone who sticks with me and our team, along with my need for hoops, is a big part of my passion to return. Don’t pity me or feel bad, there’s lots of people out there rn with real problems that don’t heal. Anyways excuse my rambling just wanted to address our okc fans and family.”

The 7-foot-1 big man is expected to return to action for the Thunder later this season, but it is unclear when.

Oklahoma City is currently playing without big man Isaiah Hartenstein and backup big man Jaylin Williams as well.

Although he was clearly feeling emotional about his injury, Holmgren was also frustrated that Wiggins still scored on the possession.

That is the exact kind of mentality that makes him such an impactful player on both sides of the ball for the Thunder.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1373]

NBA power rankings: Thunder rule, Bucks crumble

Welcome to HoopsHype’s bi-weekly power rankings! I’ll be here every other Monday to look around the league and rank teams based on a proprietary blend of championship potential, recent performance, secret spices, and more. While these power rankings …

Welcome to HoopsHype’s bi-weekly power rankings! I’ll be here every other Monday to look around the league and rank teams based on a proprietary blend of championship potential, recent performance, secret spices, and more.

While these power rankings are heavily correlated with the actual NBA standings, they are a little more forward-looking. For example, the 76ers are off to an atrocious start, but we know they’ll be better when their stars take the court.

This is, of course, a subjective exercise. Things are bound to change dramatically in each iteration, particularly early in the season. Little conclusively separates the vast majority of teams this early in the year, so if I have your favorite team ranked eight spots too low in your mind, I won’t argue with you!

Truthfully, the actual rankings are secondary to the meat of the article (even though I know the little number next to each team’s name is the only thing people care about). I want to use this space to write something interesting about each team. To kick things off, I looked at early season X-Factors for each squad, an outsized reason for a team’s initial success and failures. The small sample caveats still apply – we’re not even 10 percent into the season yet –  but wins and losses are actualized results. If a player shot 90 percent from three and helped his team steal a victory, that obviously won’t last, but it does still matter.

Pat Connaughton/Blake Wesley NBA Tracker: Oct. 28-Nov. 3

Not the best week for the former Notre Dame players.

After winning their first game, [autotag]Pat Connaughton[/autotag] and the Milwaukee Bucks have lost every game since. Connaughton tried to play his part with five points and two rebounds in an Oct. 30 loss to the defending champion Boston Celtics. But he followed that by shooting 1 of 7 from the field in a three-point, three-rebound, two-assist effort against the Memphis Grizzlies on Halloween. He wound up averaging 2.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists a game over the course of the week.

[autotag]Blake Wesley[/autotag] did not fare much better over the past week with the San Antonio Spurs. He started out all right with five points and two rebounds in just under 13 minutes while losing Oct. 30 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But he played only half that number of minutes over the next two games combined and didn’t register a single meaningful statistic. The result was a scoring average of 2.8 and a rebounding average of 0.8 over the three games.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on X: @gfclark89

Victor Wembanyama takes the Chet Holmgren rivalry so seriously he won’t even acknowledge his name

Victor Wembanyama doesn’t care for Chet Holmgren. At all.

In case you have any doubt about the competitiveness between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, the young San Antonio Spurs big man seemingly takes few things more seriously than his battles with his peer from Oklahoma City. This dynamic comes into focus again as the Spurs visit the Thunder on Wednesday.

READ MORE: The history of the Wembanyama-Holmgren rivalry is worth revisiting. 

On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN NBA writer Michael C. Wright revealed that Wembanyama actively avoids using Holmgren’s name. He used an example of where Wembanyama was asked a direct question about playing against Holmgren.

In response, Wembanayama just talked about the general matchup with the Thunder without even acknowledging Holmgren. Oh, OK:

Here’s to another heated battle between two of the best young big men in the NBA. May they add another awesome chapter to their already great rivalry.

Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama’s rivalry, explained

Please, give us another 15 years of this.

Folks, here we are again. The Thunder and the Spurs are about to play in their first game against one another this NBA season.

That means we get to see Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama go at it. These are basically two basketball kaiju colliding. One is 7-foot-4 and the other is 7-foot-1 and they both do everything guards can do — sometimes better. It’s wild.

The comparisons will always be there. They’re both second-year big men despite Holmgren being drafted a year before. They both play the same position. They’re both in the same conference. Their playing styles are similar.

But should we call their relationship with each other a rivalry? It’s fair to call it that. But I’m not so sure it’s that quite yet.

Let’s dive into their relationship on the court so far.

Wait, so is this thing actually a rivalry?

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Well, it’s competitive. Maybe it’s fair to call it a rivalry. But there’s no animosity between the two of them.

Holmgren was asked about his relationship with Wemby over the summer on Paul George’s “Playoff P” podcast. He quickly clarified that, while things are competitive, there is no “beef” between the two of them.

“People be like ‘Y’all got beef?’ I’m like ‘Beef?’ We’re out there competing, but beef? Like, beef means when I see you we’re fighting. Why do I got beef with him? I honestly don’t even know the guy. We just play basketball against each other. As competitors, neither of us want to lose. And neither of us want to, like, just let the other person get a bucket or anything. So, we’re always going to compete. If people take it as we got beef, those people don’t understand competing I guess.”

And yet, before Wednesday’s game, ESPN’s Michael C. Wright said in an interview that Wembanyama won’t even say Holmgren’s name.

Interesting!

How competitive are they?

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

It’s pretty clear that the competitive juices flow a little bit harder when they line up against one another.

It all started back in 2021 at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Wembanyama said losing to Holmgren and fouling out of the final game against Team USA is the “worst memory” of his young basketball life so far.

Here’s more from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:

“It is only the worst basketball memory of Wembanyama’s life — “Just thinking about it makes my jaw clench,” he has said — and one of the great accomplishments of Holmgren’s. Though he didn’t play exceptionally by his standards in the championship game — Holmgren had 10 points and five assists — the American player was named the tournament’s MVP and returned for his freshman year at Gonzaga with a gold medal. Wembanyama had put up 22 points with eight rebounds and eight blocks before having to watch the final minutes from the bench.”

That competitive energy between them hasn’t disappeared.

What were their matchups like?

COMPETITIVE. In all caps. The games are fun to watch. They both do things we’ve never seen anyone like them do on an NBA court.

With that said, mountains moved when we saw Wemby block Chet’s jumper.

Chet and the Thunder walked away with two wins in their three matchups. But Wembanyama would usually walk away with a highlight or two that made you go, “Wow. Can’t wait to watch more of this for the next 10 years.”

So, look. Maybe this isn’t a rivalry now. But the more these guys see each other, the closer this matchup becomes the real deal.

Holmgren told reporters last year, “I plan on playing a long time, and i’m sure he does too so there’ll be no choice but to go back and forth.”

Let’s hope that happens.

2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder: A quick preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to lead the Western Conference, capitalizing on their strong core and strategic new additions. With Isaiah Hartenstein joining to strengthen the center position alongside Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso enhancing …

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to lead the Western Conference, capitalizing on their strong core and strategic new additions. With Isaiah Hartenstein joining to strengthen the center position alongside Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso enhancing the perimeter defense, the Thunder have addressed key areas needed to support their young and talented roster.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, following an MVP-worthy season, continues to be the pivotal figure for the Thunder, with his exceptional play driving the team’s ambitions. Supported by Jalen Williams and the rapidly developing Holmgren, Oklahoma City not only aims to dominate the regular season but also make a deep playoff run. Mark Daigneault, last year’s Coach of the Year, has versatile lineup options to adapt to various matchups, boosting the team’s competitive edge.

The Thunder are no longer a team flying under the radar – they’re the favorites to win the West and potentially challenge the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Kawhi Leonard’s latest knee issue means the Thunder could unthinkably land Cooper Flagg

Imagine if Cooper Flagg played for Oklahoma City.

L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will reportedly miss an indefinite amount of time to start the upcoming season at the Intuit Dome.

This is not exactly a surprise for those who have followed the NBA news cycle recently. Leonard missed the 2024 Olympics in Paris due to injury, which raised eyebrows around the league. His recent comments about his teammates after losing Paul George to the 76ers did not paint a picture of perfect chemistry.

With both George and Russell Westbrook no longer on the roster and no splashy replacements, the Clippers may not be very good this year. Bad seasons happen, of course, but there is another reason why that is especially notable.

From previous trades, the Thunder are owed whichever pick is a better one between the Rockets and the Clippers. It has only become more probable that Houston outperforms L.A. this season.

If the Clippers miss the postseason in a competitive Western Conference and their pick is in the lottery, the ping pong balls could bounce in any number of ways.

CLIPPERS: L.A. lost Paul George for nothing after trading so much (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!) to originally acquire him

The worst case scenario for the Clippers is that the pick lands at No. 1 overall and they would have traded the rights away to Oklahoma City.

This comes after the organization already traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and various other tremendously valuable draft capital to the Thunder to land George, who is no longer on the roster.

If that total also now includes the next No. 1 pick, which is likely going to become Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft, it would be unprecedentedly unfortunate for this franchise.

That would add a wildly impactful player to a Thunder team that is already projected to win the Western Conference this season, and is only young and getting better.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1373]

Andre Roberson: I still think back to that January night in Detroit

Andre Roberson is a name that many remember when they think back to those Thunder teams in the 2010s. Known for his defensive prowess, he played alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony throughout the years in …

Andre Roberson is a name that many remember when they think back to those Thunder teams in the 2010s. Known for his defensive prowess, he played alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony throughout the years in Oklahoma City before his NBA career was cut short due to injury.

The former All-Defensive player talked with HoopsHype in a wide-ranging candid conversation about his experience so far in France with Cholet, favorite memories in OKC, his NBA career, and more.

Former Thunder Keyontae Johnson signs deal with Hornets

Former Thunder Keyontae Johnson signs deal with Hornets.

After his free agent rights were renounced earlier this offseason, Keyontae Johnson has found a new home. The 24-year-old has signed a contract with the Charlotte Hornets, per his agency Priority Sports.

This marks the end of a forgettable one-year stint for Johnson with the Thunder. He was the No. 50 selection of the 2023 NBA draft and was added on a two-way deal.

Johnson had a redshirt season last year and only totaled nine appearances in his rookie season. He averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds.

The 24-year-old spent most of his rookie campaign with the G League’s OKC Blue, where he was a starter on their quest to a championship.

Johnson played in five college seasons from 2018-23. He spent his first four campaigns in Florida before transferring to Kansas State for his final season.

He was limited to four games in his final two years with the Gators as he missed time with a heart condition discovered after he collapsed on the court in Dec. 2020.

The details of his deal with the Hornets are unknown, but it’s likely a two-way slot. He will have a chance to continue to develop in the G League while on an NBA squad more suited to give him consistent minutes.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Chet Holmgren opens up about Josh Giddey trade, said he was hurt over his exit

Chet Holmgren opens up about Josh Giddey trade, said he was hurt over his exit.

After a busy offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for the 2024-25 campaign as a title favorite. They bolstered their depth with the additions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso.

Even though the improvements are no-brainers, that doesn’t mean the Thunder left the offseason unscathed. OKC made the tough — but right — decision to part ways with Josh Giddey.

After he refused to come off the bench for next season, the Thunder shipped the 21-year-old to the Chicago Bulls for Caruso. This marked the first major departure from the Thunder’s rebuild.

Giddey spent the last three seasons with the Thunder. After a strong first two years, he underwent his worst career campaign last season. A demotion in his role from a primary ball-handler to the fourth option led to that.

Despite this, Giddey remained a positive among his teammates. Chet Holmgren opened up about his departure in an appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P” episode.

“I was f—ing hurt when I saw that Giddey wasn’t going to be on our team anymore,” Holmgren said. “We all rock with him. That’s our dog. Still is. He’s gonna go do great things in Chicago.”

Even though the Thunder replaced him with an easier fit in Caruso, that doesn’t mean the time spent among his teammates will be easy to wash away. Such is business in the NBA.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]