Chet Holmgren Emerges as All-NBA Candidate After Injury Comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder center is making a strong case for a spot on the All-NBA Third Team.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting Chet Holmgren's defensive impact, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing his shot-blocking ability and defensive presence on the court.Holmgren's defensive prowess and shot-blocking skills have been a key factor in the Thunder's rise to the top of the NBA.Oklahoma City Today

Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder's young star center, is making a strong case to be named to the All-NBA Third Team this season. After suffering a devastating hip injury last November that sidelined him for months, Holmgren returned to the court and has put up career-high numbers, helping guide the Thunder to the best record in the NBA for the second straight season. With his elite rim protection, efficient scoring, and impressive comeback from injury, Holmgren is firmly in the conversation for one of the coveted All-NBA spots.

Why it matters

Holmgren's potential All-NBA selection would be a remarkable achievement, especially considering the severity of the injury he overcame. It would cement his status as one of the league's rising stars and a key piece of the Thunder's championship-contending roster. Additionally, making an All-NBA team comes with significant financial incentives, which could impact Holmgren's future contract negotiations.

The details

In the 2025-26 season, Holmgren has posted career-high averages of 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game. He's shooting a blistering 55% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. Holmgren's elite defensive impact is reflected in his ranking in the 93rd percentile as a rim protector, allowing just 46% shooting at the rim. He's also in the 88th percentile league-wide as a defender, according to Synergy Sports data.

  • Holmgren suffered a hip injury in November 2025 that sidelined him for months.
  • Holmgren returned to the court and has played in 69 games this season for the Thunder.
  • The Thunder have secured the best record in the NBA for the second straight season with Holmgren as a key contributor.

The players

Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder's young star center, who is making a strong case for a spot on the All-NBA Third Team this season after overcoming a devastating hip injury.

Sam Presti

The general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who described Holmgren's injury as the most painful he has ever seen a player experience.

Jaylin Williams

A Thunder player who helped Holmgren off the floor after his injury.

Isaiah Hartenstein

A Thunder player who helped Holmgren off the floor after his injury.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs superstar, who would be the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year if not for Holmgren's elite defensive impact.

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What they’re saying

“When Chet got injured, [Jaylin Williams] and [Isaiah Hartenstein] are the ones that helped him off the floor. In all my years doing this, I've never, ever seen a player in that much pain. I mean, it was really tough. Hart and J-Will stayed with him the whole time in the back, and it was uncomfortable. It was uncomfortable because when someone is in that much pain, it's hard to be a bystander. You know what I mean?”

— Sam Presti, General Manager, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The NBA will announce the All-NBA teams in the coming weeks, and Holmgren will be closely watched to see if he earns a spot on the Third Team.

The takeaway

Chet Holmgren's remarkable comeback from a devastating injury and his elite two-way play this season have put him firmly in the conversation for an All-NBA selection, a testament to his resilience and the Thunder's continued rise as a championship contender.