Chet Holmgren expressed his wish to represent the U.S. at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as he continues to be one of the frontrunners of the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder. He and last year’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have more on their shoulders as the Thunder aim for an NBA title defense.
Chet Holmgren Aspires to Represent U.S. Men’s Basketball Team at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Holmgren has emerged as one of the rising stars, with elite rim protection and the ability to stretch the floor. The 23-year-old has been a key contributor to the Thunder, who lead the NBA with an overall 56-15 record in the 2025-26 season.
With Jalen Williams’ absence due to an injury in 45 of the team’s 71 games, Holmgren is the current No. 2 on the team, averaging 1.9 blocks and 17.2 points.
Holmgren was also sidelined with a hip contusion and ruled questionable to play, but he eventually became available, and the Thunder have continued their title run. He recently appeared on “Gil’s Arena” and said it would be his greatest honor to represent the U.S. team on the marquee stage.
“I think one of the biggest honors in any sport is being able to represent your country across your chest on that jersey. It’s something that if you do, you can’t take lightly. It has to be an extremely serious thing.”
He added, “I’m all for being where your feet are and being in the moment, but I feel like anybody would be lying if they said it wouldn’t be a blessing to have that opportunity. And especially being in my home country, too.”
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On the international stage, Holmgren represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where he was named the tournament MVP. The U.S. team, led by Stephen Curry and LeBron James, also secured its fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
When Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat recorded 83 points in a single game against the Washington Wizards, it made him the second-highest scorer in a game after Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the record with 100.
However, the reaction that followed was far from positive, as many felt the historic feat lacked authenticity, especially considering he went 36-of-43 from the free-throw line, while Kobe Bryant had only 20 free throws during his 81-point performance.
Many argued that Heat teammates deliberately inflated their star player’s tally. The historic performance drew mixed reactions from players, coaches, and fans across the basketball world.
Holmgren was drafted by OKC in 2022 but missed the 2022-23 season due to injury. He helped the team win in 2025 and earned his first All-Star selection in 2026.
