Chet Holmgren's First Game Back From Injury Sets Stage for Crucial Rookie Season

It had been nearly a year since he took the court for game action, but Chet Holmgren made his return on Monday night in an NBA Summer League matchup with the Utah Jazz. Before presumably taking the starting center spot for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the upcoming season, it was time to get back into a groove following a full recovery from a right foot injury.

Although he looked rusty early on, Holmgren started to find himself early in the second quarter. Making highlight plays on both ends for the majority of the night, he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks while shooting 6-for-14 from the floor. His impact was felt well beyond the box score, as Utah really struggled to get good looks in the paint due to his presence. Even when he wasn’t blocking shots, he was altering or preventing them altogether.

While this was a positive step in the right direction, what he said after the game was even more promising. Holmgren told Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman great news regarding how his foot was feeling.

“It’s like the injury never happened…If you erased my memory, I wouldn’t know anything happened to my foot.”

“It’s like the injury never happened … if you erased my memory, I wouldn’t know anything happened to my foot.” pic.twitter.com/R0NFYnkyYV
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) July 4, 2023

This is fantastic news, especially considering the circumstances. Coming back from an injury that significant is not only a physical hurdle, but also a mental one. At least here initially, it sounds like Holmgren doesn’t have any issues moving like he once did and doesn’t have to overthink his on-court play.

Given he missed the entirety of last season, the 2023-24 campaign will technically be Holmgren’s rookie season. He’s currently slated third in NBA Rookie of the Year odds, as he’s expected to be a primary piece on a team looking to make the postseason. With how impactful he is on both ends, don’t be surprised if he pushes the Thunder to new heights this season.

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