Chet Holmgren Opens Up in NBA Newsletter; Details Long-Awaited Comeback, Philanthropism
It was a long road to recovery for Chet Holmgren.
Just a couple months following his selection at the No. 2 slot in the 2022 NBA draft to the Thunder, he'd suffer a Lisfranc injury in a Pro-Am contest competing against LeBron James — keeping him out of the entire 2022-23 campaign.
Now, it seems like that's all behind him.
As a primary candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, Holmgren just recently reached the projected favorite for the accolade to surpass the 7-foot-4, game-changing Frenchman Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Efficiency has been the name of the game for Holmgren so far, and it's what's made him so productive — marking nearly 18 points a night on 54-43-87 shooting splits.
His efficiency is being illustrated on the court vividly, but he's seemed to always maintain an optimized approach, even on the sidelines while rehabbing from injury.
The 7-foot-1 Thunder forward recently shared some of his thoughts and sentiments on the NBA's daily newsletter, "Starting 5."
"The process of having to be out and sit through all of those different situations and scenarios," Holmgren said. "Just understanding everything I had been through and processing all of the emotions that went with it, it really helped me to, one, stay focused, but also two, to understand when I’m back, the gratitude to have for being able to play.
"[I’m] not taking a single play, or a single day, or a single game for granted and really being able to lock in mentally every single day and every single rep, knowing that it’s not promised."
These words have embodied his play and effort early this season. Prioritizing winning, providing high energy and production levels night in and night out.
He fits the mold, and he certainly fits the prototypical personality to become a loved figure in Oklahoma City.
Not only has he remained an efficient ball player, but his philanthropism throughout the city has already been exemplified, several times.
"What may seem like a little bit of help from you, could really help somebody go a long way, and understanding that and trying to give other people opportunity and what they might need in a certain situation is huge for me," he said of his importance of philanthropy."
"Thankfully I’m in a position now where I’m able to really make changes and make a big difference in the community and individual people’s lives, and I just really want to try and focus in on that and try and do my part."
The city has already embraced the young 21-year old out of Minneapolis.
Helping bring the hometown team back to contention in the Western Conference and holding different charity events around the city will certainly get the fans on your side, which is what Holmgren has done already.
But even before he stepped on the court he was receiving love from Thunder fans.
"Ever since I got here the fans have been nothing but welcoming and supportive," he said. "Even when I got hurt that didn’t fall off, even a notch."
"They have supported me this whole time and I believe what comes around goes around, and vice versa."
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