Mark Daigneault Talks Chet Homgren's Rookie Season Expectations

Chet Holmgren has high expectations in Oklahoma City. He could be the last piece to the Thunder puzzle that pushes the team closer toward championship aspirations. It won’t happen right away, but with time, Holmgren could be the missing piece.

The Thunder had an unbelievable turnaround a season ago, defying expectations and exceeding the team’s projected win mark by over 15 games. The one thing missing from the lineup was a true center, as the team regularly ran Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams at the five spot throughout the regular season. It caused issues for other teams and both players did a serviceable job, but for the Thunder to reach its full potential, hitting on a true center like Holmgren is essential.

If the Gonzaga product can come right in and help the Thunder continue its upward trajectory of a playoff team, he has a good chance to be in the Rookie of the Year race. Much has been made about the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Holmgren, and it very well could be a two-man race for the award.

“We’ll see,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said about Holmgren’s Rookie of the Year chances. “He’s excited as a competitor and he’s ambitious. He has really high expectations for himself and matches those with his work ethic. He’s not just a guy with his head in the clouds – he’s willing to put the work in, And he did so, impressively, in his rehab. That’s a long, dark rehab, and he was consistent and impressive through that.”

Holmgren’s rehab process was well documented and patient throughout last season. He didn’t cut corners and the Thunder waited for him to fully healthy for his return to action.

Despite Holmgren's individual rehab, he stayed connected with the team and was around the guys nearly every day. When he was healthy enough, the big man was integrated into 5-on-0 and loosely participated in practice.

“Everything he did was in our building," Daigneault said. "He was around the team in all team settings. He was in our film sessions. There’s a natural detachment when you’re injured, but we did the best we could to keep him engaged. And the guys did a great job with him. It will give everybody a jolt when he walks into the gym. Not just because of the player he is but everybody has seen what he’s endured and how he’s handled that. I think everybody is going to be happy for him when he steps in a game for the first time.”

This summer, Holmgren excelled once again during Summer League, further exciting Thunder fans. He has a chance to be special, and the Thunder will benefit greatly from his two-way play.

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