The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren has just secured a fully guaranteed five-year rookie contract extension worth up to $250 million, as announced by his agent, Bill Duffy. This comes off an impressive season where Holmgren helped guide his team to an NBA championship after a challenging recovery from injury.
Holmgren, now 23, missed a significant portion of his early career due to injuries, including a pelvis fracture and a foot ligament tear. However, he made a strong comeback in February, finishing the season with averages of 15 points, eight rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His shooting was impressive too, with 49% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.
While Holmgren shone on the court, he’s part of a larger story in Oklahoma City. The Thunder recently locked in another star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who signed a four-year contract extension for $285 million. This marks them as one of the youngest teams ever to win a championship while building a solid foundation for future success.
Holmgren’s defensive skills set him apart. He was a standout defender throughout the playoffs, contesting 93% of opponent shots as the closest defender and leading the league in field goal percentage allowed for layups and dunks among frequent contesters. In the Finals, he recorded 11 blocks, five of which came in a crucial Game 7.
Despite his injuries, Holmgren has shown resilience and talent, becoming one of only three players to record 150 three-pointers and 250 blocks in their first two seasons, alongside Victor Wembanyama and Kristaps Porzingis. His performance has excited fans, and many are optimistic about his role in the Thunder’s future.
In a recent survey, 70% of basketball fans expressed satisfaction with the Thunder’s direction, highlighting excitement around their young star players. Holmgren represents not just hope for the Thunder, but also what can be possible when talent and determination come together.
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