After missing last season recovering from multiple foot surgeries, Chet Holmgren has played every game for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
This marks a remarkable turnaround for the 21-year-old, who faced questions about his durability after suffering a Lisfranc injury last summer. In 65 games, Holmgren has averaged 16.8 points on 53.5% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks.
When asked about not missing a game this season on ESPN’s “The Woj Pod,” Holmgren revealed an interesting anecdote from earlier this season about persuading the Thunder to let him play instead of sitting out a contest.
“There was an instance where it was suggested to me (to rest) and credit to our management, our coaching staff and our medical team. They really see this as a partnership and a collaboration,” Holmgren said. “They came to me, they gave me their point of view and they listened to my point of view.
“At the end of the conversation we were able to come to a conclusion, both sides were able to kinda live with that conclusion and I ended up going out there and playing.”
This latest example is just another glance at how the Thunder operate and are willing to listen to their players when it comes to major decisions. Holmgren has played a key role in OKC’s rise to contention this season as part of their young trio with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
