Chet Holmgren Downplays DPOY Candidacy Ahead of Thunder Title Defense

The Thunder star focuses on team goals as he prepares for the playoffs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:09am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting Chet Holmgren's defensive movements and impact on the court, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.Chet Holmgren's defensive prowess is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting his impact on the Thunder's championship defense.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Chet Holmgren addressed his candidacy for Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive Team honors, saying his focus is on the team's upcoming playoff run rather than individual accolades. Holmgren, who is considered a frontrunner for DPOY, had a standout regular season, averaging career-bests in points, field-goal percentage, and rebounds.

Why it matters

Holmgren's humble approach to individual awards reflects the Thunder's team-first mentality as they look to defend their NBA championship. The second-year player's defensive impact has been a key factor in the team's success, and his potential DPOY recognition would further cement his status as one of the league's elite two-way players.

The details

Holmgren, who missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury, discussed the significance of individual awards and how they reward players for their hard work. However, he emphasized that his primary focus is on the team's upcoming playoff run, particularly their first-round series against either the Warriors or Suns. Holmgren also learned from last season's experience, when the Thunder's historic start led to dynasty talk, and he wants to avoid getting distracted by such speculation.

  • The Thunder will host either the Warriors or the Suns in Game 1 of their first-round, best-of-7 series on Saturday.
  • Holmgren finished the regular season averaging career-bests in points (17.1), field-goal percentage (55.7%), and rebounds (8.9). He also averaged 1.9 blocks per game.

The players

Chet Holmgren

An Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward who is considered a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive Team honors after a standout regular season.

Victor Wembanyama

A San Antonio Spurs All-Star who was selected to the All-Star team alongside Holmgren.

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What they’re saying

“Individual awards are great. I think they're around to reward players for the hard work that they put in. Anytime I'm able to be honored with something like that, it's never taken for granted. I always appreciate it. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to earn something like that. At the end of the day, my focus is on our team, what we have coming up here in the playoffs, and we have the first round coming up.”

— Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Forward

“I feel like that's a dangerous thing to be trying to think about, just because of how fragile things are in the NBA. We see it all the time. With how quick things can change, and nothing's guaranteed. So you really do have to focus on each individual day.”

— Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Forward

What’s next

The Thunder will host either the Warriors or the Suns in Game 1 of their first-round, best-of-7 series on Saturday.

The takeaway

Chet Holmgren's humble approach to individual awards and his focus on the team's playoff success reflects the Thunder's team-first mentality as they look to defend their NBA championship. Holmgren's defensive impact has been crucial to the team's success, and his potential DPOY recognition would further solidify his status as one of the league's elite two-way players.