Chet Holmgren's Historic Season Deserves All-NBA Honors

The Oklahoma City Thunder center has made a remarkable comeback after a devastating injury.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Chet Holmgren's defensive plays and movements on the basketball court, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamism and energy of his game.Chet Holmgren's relentless defensive presence and versatile skill set have been integral to the Oklahoma City Thunder's success.Oklahoma City Today

Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder's star center, is making a strong case for an All-NBA selection this season. After fracturing his hip in a freak injury last November, Holmgren has returned to lead the Thunder to the best record in the NBA for the second straight year. He's posting career-highs in points, rebounds, blocks and shooting efficiency, while anchoring one of the league's top defenses.

Why it matters

Holmgren's comeback from a rare and severe injury has been nothing short of remarkable. His dominant two-way play has been instrumental in the Thunder's continued success, and earning All-NBA honors would cement his status as one of the league's elite players.

The details

In 69 games this season, Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and shooting 55% from the field. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in half-court offense and the 93rd percentile as an elite rim protector. Holmgren's defensive impact has been historic, and he would likely be the Defensive Player of the Year if not for the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.

  • Holmgren fractured his hip in November 2025, an injury Sam Presti described as the most painful he's ever seen.
  • Holmgren returned to the 2025-26 season and has posted career-highs across the board.

The players

Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star center, who is making a strong case for All-NBA honors after a remarkable comeback from a devastating hip injury.

Sam Presti

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

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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, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager

What’s next

Holmgren will look to continue his dominant play as the Thunder push for another deep playoff run and their first NBA championship.

The takeaway

Chet Holmgren's remarkable comeback from a devastating injury and his historic defensive impact make him a deserving All-NBA selection, cementing his status as one of the league's elite two-way players.