As the OKC Thunder look to make league history by defending their position as NBA champions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently discussed Chet Holmgren and the unique skill set that the young star brings to the team.
Despite winning the 2024-2025 NBA championship and being on a historic pace this season, an argument could be made that the OKC Thunder are not at full strength. While Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be their focal point and leader on offense, the Finals MVP recently showered Holmgren with praise for his own development and growth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Compared Chet Holmgren to Dirk Nowitzki
Since Victor Wembanyama has received the majority of attention from the NBA media over the past few seasons, it is no real surprise that Holmgren has flown under the radar. After dealing with injuries early in his career, the star center played an instrumental role in leading the Thunder to win the NBA championship last season.
This season, Holmgren appears to have picked up where he stopped last season. In 17 games so far, he has averaged a solid 18.2 points and eight rebounds. Noticing his teammate in action prompted Gilgeous-Alexander to draw comparisons to another NBA champion and multiple-time All-Star.
In a detailed report by ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Gilgeous-Alexander’s true expectations for Holmgren this season were revealed.
“His moves are stronger throughout the game. Naturally, he’s going to walk into 15, 17 points a night. Then as he continues to get stronger, he will develop his low post and midpost game, kind of the way Dirk Nowitzki did.”
Fans will remember that Nowitzki had a patented single-leg fadeaway shot, something that he perfected throughout the course of his career. The former Dallas Mavericks star has cemented his place in NBA history by defeating LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.
While it may be too soon to compare a young and upcoming NBA star like Holmgren to retired legends, Gilgeous-Alexander believes that it is only a matter of time before Holmgren ascends to the next level.
As the OKC Thunder look to defend their position as NBA champions, fans are left hoping that Holmgren’s potential and growth can aid their success.
