NBA analyst predicts All-NBA leap for Thunder’s $250 million star

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 campaign with a star-studded core looking to win back-to-back titles, which was last accomplished by the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. 

With 2024-25 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a deep and talented roster, the sky is once again the limit for the young team. Jalen Williams is expected to operate as the team’s second option, though Chet Holmgren could also have an opportunity for a breakout season. 

After missing his true rookie season due to a broken foot, the 23-year-old big man finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Victor Wembanyama in the 2023-24 campaign. However, Holmgren’s second season was limited due to a fractured right hip he sustained in November 2024. Over 32 regular-season appearances, he averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 2.0 assists across 27.4 minutes per contest. 

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Chet Holmgren predicted to have breakout season after extension 

Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, signed a five-year maximum rookie contract extension in July that could reach $250 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Now, Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report predicts the 7-foot-1 center will take a major leap in his third season. 

“Expect a scoring average north of 20.0 points, a top-five finish in blocks and ridiculously valuable spacing for a Thunder offense that could use some from its bigs,” he wrote. “If all goes well, Holmgren could even establish himself as an All-NBA honoree.” 

Holmgren has already proven to be a valuable floor spacer, shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc in his career. While averaging more than 20.0 points per game on a team with plenty of mouths to feed isn’t an easy task, the big man is certainly capable of reaching that mark considering he averaged 16.5 points across 82 regular-season appearances in his rookie season. 

Durability remains a concern, but when healthy, Holmgren’s blend of length, shooting, rebounding and defensive instincts could catapult him into All-Star conversations and beyond. With Williams in jeopardy of missing time to begin the regular season after undergoing offseason wrist surgery, Holmgren may be asked to shoulder more scoring responsibilities early on. 

While an All-NBA nod is certainly a lofty goal, the future remains bright for Holmgren and the Thunder.

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