As training camps begin around the league, one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2023-24 season is the return and debut of Chet Holmgren.
The 2022 No. 2 pick was sidelined all of last season recovering from a Lisfranc injury he suffered last summer. After a one-year delay, Holmgren looks to be one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year.
Buy Thunder TicketsSeveral of Holmgren’s current teammates sounded off on media day about their excitement over his return and the role the seven-footer could fill for OKC’s starting lineup.
It looks like the excitement isn’t bottled in just OKC either, as Holmgren’s former teammates from his previous stops are equally excited to see him return.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs was asked about Holmgren’s return by Rookie Wire’s Cody Taylor. In his response, he spoke about how the former high school teammates talk constantly in a group chat.
“Our whole friend group, we talk every day in our group chat just kind of keeping up with each other and checking in,” Suggs said. “Chet has been doing a great job. He has been working his tail off. I’m proud of him and I can’t wait for him to come back and get to hooping and playing and in his environment again.”
Both Suggs and Holmgren attended Minnesota’s Minnehaha Academy together. Both also played at Gonzaga – albeit they missed each other by a year; Suggs played in the 2020-21 season while Holmgren played in the 2021-22 season.
Suggs and Holmgren will get a pair of chances to square off this upcoming season. The Magic will play at OKC on Jan. 13, 2024 and the Thunder travel to Orlando on Feb. 13, 2024.
