It’s the news no Oklahoma City Thunder fan wanted to hear—Chet Holmgren, the team’s rising star, has sustained a significant injury yet again. In a gut-wrenching update, the Thunder announced that Holmgren has suffered a right iliac wing fracture following a hard fall during Sunday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. This injury, which forced the young center out of the game early, threatens to sideline him for a substantial period, leaving a cloud over what was shaping up to be a promising season for both the player and the team.
Holmgren’s injury occurred just 6:50 into the first quarter as he attempted to block a layup by Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins. The 7-foot-1 big man collided with Wiggins mid-air, losing balance and landing hard on his right hip. Immediately clutching his right side, Holmgren lay on the court, signaling what would be another setback in his young career.
Drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2022, Holmgren’s start to his NBA journey has been riddled with bad luck. His entire first season was wiped out by a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, pushing his official rookie debut to the 2023-24 season. Yet, once he finally hit the court, Holmgren didn’t disappoint. Through his first nine games, he was posting standout numbers: 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a staggering 2.9 blocks per game, placing him second in the league in blocks per game.
The Thunder organization has now initiated a return-to-play protocol for Holmgren, with an expected update on his recovery and return time frame in approximately 8-10 weeks. While the team will monitor his progress closely, fans are bracing themselves for another lengthy period without the talented center. Social media reactions have been mixed, ranging from disbelief to cautious optimism, with one fan even jokingly asking, “So does he get another rookie year?” A nod to Holmgren’s unusual path in the league, it reflects both the frustration and hope that OKC fans continue to feel.
Holmgren’s absence leaves the Thunder with a sizable gap in their lineup. For now, the focus will shift to how the team can maintain momentum without him, though fans and teammates alike are undoubtedly hoping for a swift and full recovery for their young star.
