NBA 2024-2025 – Launched into a very high-level season, Chet Holmgren fractured his pelvis against the Warriors this Sunday evening. Absent for 2 to 3 months, the pivot leaves an empty position in OKC, even though there are not many replacements. How can the Thunder organize themselves so as not to lose the momentum from the start of the season?
The poster was enough to make you salivate. OKC vs Warriors. An air of the mid-2010s, where Kevin Durant et Russell Westbrook challenged Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and others. In 2024, the surprise at the start of the season comes more from the Warriors, who were not expected at such a level at the start of the season. THE Thunderin line with his last season, is in his place.
But after only 5 minutes of play, the face of the match completely changed. After an attempt to counter Andrew Wiggins, Chet Holmgren fell violently to the ground. Result: fracture of the pelvis at the iliac wing, i.e. 2 to 3 months of absence. Essential piece of OKC, the pivot of 2.16 m also seen, from the hospital, his teammates bow heavily, conceding 127 points. However, the Thunder have been the best defensive team since the start of the season (100.3 points conceded, 1st in the League). So, how can we make up for this long-term absence? Her backup recruited during the summer, Isaiah Hartensteinis also injured, in his left hand. The former Knicks pivot could return to him within 3 weeks.
Chet Holmgren had to be helped off the floor after a hard fall 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5CnkRaSQ4z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2024
“I can’t say if I feel better or worse about this, having experienced something similar before” Holmgren posted from his hospital bed. “On the one hand, I know how to approach it, I know what to do and not to do and how beautiful what is to come is. But on the other hand, I felt the frustration of this process and the wear and tear it takes on your mind. Most of all, I’m bummed that I won’t be able to help my teammates and play for our fans for a while. Don’t feel bad for me, there are a lot of people out there right now with real problems that won’t heal.”
Play without a real 5, or recruit?
Mark Daigneault today finds itself without a real post 5. Kenrich Williams et Jaylin Williamscapable of playing in this position, are also injured. Since the start of the season, OKC has tinkered behind Chet Holmgren.
This night, against the Warriors, the Thunder coach tried to align at times Ousmane Dieng at the pivot position. The Frenchman, more of a winger, or even a strong winger, has already rotated a few times in the position since the start of the season. But it’s not his natural position, and does he have the level to be a starter? Jalen Williamsaligned at position 4, could also occupy this position. But he is only 1.98m, and could suffer against big pivots. Especially since his role in attack could become even more important with the absence of the skinny pivot. Will the Thunder recruit a player on a short contract to ensure continuity in the position? Before finding an NBA starter, with Isaiah Hartensteinby December? First elements of response last night, in the face of Los Angeles Clippers.
What impact could the absence of Chet Holmgren have on the Thunder?
The number 2 of the 2022 Draft did not skimp on the task, offensively and defensively (18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks), and headed straight to the All-Star Game. The franchise loses its main defensive bulwark, who could return around All-Star weekend. His absence will be largely detrimental to the Thunder. With already two defeats this week (including one with Holmgren), OKC is now 3rd in the West. With the same number of victories and defeats as the Warriors (1st) and the Suns (2nd), the men of Mark Daigneault will they keep the bar? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates will have to struggle even more defensively, at the risk of sinking.
