Chet Holmgren's disappointing Game 7 performance led to questions about his future with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but coach Mark Daigneault came to his defense.
What happened in Game 7?
The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs 111-103, with Holmgren scoring just four points and grabbing four rebounds in 33 minutes.
The Spurs' win ended the Thunder's playoff run, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points and nine assists.
Why it matters for Chet Holmgren
Holmgren's poor showing sparked concerns about his role with the team, especially with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs posing a threat in the Western Conference.
But Daigneault stood by Holmgren, citing his overall impact on the team's success.
What did Mark Daigneault say?
Daigneault stated, "Every minute Chet Holmgren has been on the team, we've been the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference," as reported by OKC insider Clemente Almanza.
This statement highlights Holmgren's value to the team, despite his recent struggles.
What's next for Chet Holmgren?
Holmgren, the NBA's No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has had an impressive career so far, earning All-NBA Third Team honors in the 2025-26 season.
He averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Wembanyama.
The Thunder will look to bounce back from their playoff loss, with Holmgren expected to play a key role in their future success.
Holmgren missed his entire debut season due to injury but finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2023-24.
He has shown promise as a young player, and Daigneault's defense suggests the team remains committed to his development.
The Thunder's performance in the Western Conference Finals will be closely watched, especially with Wembanyama and the Spurs emerging as a dominant force.
As the team looks to compete against top teams, Holmgren's growth and contributions will be crucial to their success.