With 6:50 remaining in the first quarter of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Golden State Warriors, star center Chet Holmgren suffered a right iliac wing fracture on a hard fall following an Andrew Wiggins layup that Holmgren contested.
The Thunder expect Holmgren to return this season. An update on his status will be provided in eight to 10 weeks.
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Before his injury, Holmgren was poised for his first All-Star selection. He has averaged 16.4 points, grabbed 8.7 rebounds, and blocked 2.6 shots while shooting 37.8% from three this season.
He has led the Thunder’s defense to a top-five defense in the league, currently ranked fourth in defensive rating at 111. With Holmgren healthy, it was the best.
Immediate Change
The Thunder were on the first half of a back-to-back when Holmgren went down, with a game against the Clippers falling on the next day. The lineup was immediately forced to be unique.
The starting lineup against the Clippers consisted of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Jalen Williams. Gilgeous-Alexander is the tallest player at only 6 feet 6 inches, and Jalen Williams is the acting center.
Despite their height, they still fight just as hard on defense. This was evident on the first play, when Ivica Zubac failed to capitalize on the height advantage he had on Jalen Williams.
Reinforcements on the way
This “small ball” style of play will only last for the duration of Isaiah Hartenstein‘s injury. Furthermore, Kenrich Williams has also returned from injury, playing in the game against the Clippers.
Hartenstein will completely change this Thunder team for the better. He brings a different feel from Holmgren but still assists the Thunder in his own way.
He brings incredible screen setting and immaculate passing skills. He showed this passing ability consistently with the Knicks.
Jaylin Williams is another solid big that can fill in for the few months Holmgren is expected to miss. He has experience as the Thunder’s starting center as well, starting throughout the 22-23 season in Holmgren’s absence.
Unfortunately, Jaylin Williams is currently also, after suffering a setback last month from his training camp hamstring injury. He will be reevaluated in the coming weeks, but his skills will be immense for this team.
Jaylin Williams brings his knack for drawing charges in the most important positions. His energy is massive for the Thunder.
The Thunder are extremely fortunate to have high-quality depth preparing to come back from injury in light of this rough situation. With both Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams expected to return this month, OKC fans can let out a sigh of relief.
Elite on the Perimeter
Having players like Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso makes this transition to a team without Holmgren much easier.
Currently, the Thunder have six players in the top 25 for defensive BPM. Caruso and Gilgeous-Alexander are second and third in the league, respectively.
Dort is also massive for the Thunder. His workhorse mentality and confidence will always be huge for the team.
Dort guards the best player on the court at any given time, and his screen navigation has improved massively as well. He is constantly on the floor winning a possession for his team.
The Thunder will do a fine job of weathering the storm amid Holmgren’s injury. They are built to face disaster.
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