Thunder general manager Sam Presti set the record straight that Chet Holmgren will remain a key part of the team's future plans.
On behalf of the entire Oklahoma City Thunder, Sam Presti is rallying behind Chet Holmgren following the big man's controversial no-show all throughout the team's Western Conference Finals.
Speaking to the media for his end-of-season availability, the Thunder general manager defended Holmgren from criticisms and expressed faith in the growth of the big man.
"Chet's one of our guys," Presti said. "He's been so impactful. He drives winning on so many different levels for us. ... We were sweeping our way to the Western Conference Finals primarily because of his big part of his efforts in those past series.
"All that to say he didn't have a great series in the last series. But if you go back and look at some of the greatest players in the game, they all have these moments where they run into defeat or struggle. That's what makes them great players is that they're able to continue to move on from that and improve."
Chet Holmgren struggled miserably for OKC in West Finals against Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
The Thunder developed lofty expectations from Holmgren, as the big man clinched his first career All-Star and All-NBA nod this 2025-26 season. But just when it mattered the most, he completely disappeared for the fallen champions.
As he was badly needed by OKC in the wake of Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell injury situations, Holmgren failed to show up in the entire West Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across seven games.
Holmgren's nightmare series ignited instant trade rumors and speculation around his name, as the staggering five-year, $240 milllion contract he signed last year will officially begin kicking in the OKC's payroll next 2026-27 season.
Sam Presti hammers commitment to Chet Holmgren amid trade rumors
Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren
MIN: 29.24
PTS: 16.73 (62.25%)
REB: 8.77
AS: 1.57
ST: 0.7
BL: 1.83
TO: 1.51
GM: 84
Amid online backlash and several recent speculations of a trade looming, Presti set the record straight that he and the Thunder are fully committed to Holmgren's growth and the center being a part of their long-term plans.
"Two things about Chet I'd also add. One, he's an underdog," Presti said. "We've seen that everywhere. He's being questioned all the time. I watched that guy when he was in high school. People had all kinds of questions and doubts. That's nothing new to this guy. He's used to being an underdog. That's why he fits here so well.
"The other thing about him is this is a guy that is intrinsically motivated," Presti continued. "He doesn't need people questioning him or things on the internet to drive his improvement. The best example of that is we won the Finals last year, won the championship. He was dominant in Game 7 defensively and through a lot of the playoffs. Then, look at how much better he got over the summer. Came into the start of the season with no Jalen [Williams] and he was significantly improved. That's coming off a Finals win.
"He doesn't need somebody to nudge him, he doesn't need somebody to question him. It's just kind of how he's wired. So, I'm not really that concerned about him. This is part of the path that we're on. The good thing is you get to confront those things again and continue to improve, and I'm confident that he'll be ready to go."
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