Coming off a historically remarkable defensive playoffs, Chet Holmgren is starting the 2025-26 season with a bang. His offense has reached a new level this year, averaging a career-high 20.0 points per game, shooting 38.5% from three, and nearly 60% from the field.
With his vastly improved offensive game while maintaining his DPOY-level defense, he is a shoo-in for an all-star spot and is aiming for All-NBA honors.
More Aggressive Offensive Game
The thing that has stood out most in Holmgren’s improvement is his aggressiveness and confidence on offense. In catch-and-shoot scenarios, he has shown no hesitation to shoot, something he struggled with in previous years. This has helped his game significantly, getting shots up with less contest and creating more opportunities for defenders to jump, giving him easy opportunities inside the arc.
Along with his catch-and-shoot aggressiveness, he has also been more assertive as a ball handler. Holmgren has become more confident attacking defenders on-ball, creating post-up opportunities in the paint, and driving to the rim.
Lethal in the Paint
To pair with Holmgren’s increased looks in the paint, he has also become more efficient from inside. He is shooting a career-best 82% at the rim and 59% in short mid-range shots. Since his rookie season, he has looked for short post-fadeaways and hooks, but it has never been a very effective shot for him. This year, these shots have been some of his easiest buckets.
The Gonzaga product’s off-ball movement has always been a strong point in his game, and it has gotten even better. The double big-man action between him and Isaiah Hartenstein has improved chemistry and has led to simple offense for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
DPOY Candidate
With Victor Wembanyama‘s current injury, there is a chance he will no longer be eligible for Defensive Player of the Year. If Wembanyama, the current favorite for the award, isn’t eligible, Holmgren will be a strong candidate.
Although his block numbers aren’t his normal numbers, down to 1.4 per game, he is as dominant as ever. He is holding opponents over 10% below their average field goal percentage and is deterring as many paint shots as anyone in the league.
(stats via craftednba.com)
Holmgren’s defensive numbers at center have been outstanding. With Hartenstein off the floor and Holmgren at center, he is putting up 2.7 blocks per game and is anchoring OKC’s defense to a 95.9 defensive rating. His individual play, combined with the Thunder’s historic defense, gives him a strong case for DPOY.
(stats via databallr.com)
Holmgren’s significant improvement this season has been vital to OKC’s historic start, solidifying himself as a young superstar in the NBA.
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