The poster is enough to make you drool. OKC vs Warriors. A wind in the middle of 2010, where Kevin Durant etc Russell Westbrook mayor Clay Thompson, Stephen Curry and so on. In 2024, the surprise at the start of the season was more from the Warriors, who were not expected at such a level to start the season. THE thunderfollowing his last season, is in his place.
But after only 5 minutes of play, the face of the game completely changed. After trying to resist Andrew Wiggins, Chet Holmgren fell hard to the ground. Result: fracture of the pelvis at the level of the iliac wing, ie 2 to 3 months without. Essential piece of OKC, the pivot of 2.16 m also seen, from the hospital, his teammates bowed deeply, scoring 127 points. However, the Thunder have been the best defensive team since the start of the season (100.3 points allowed, first in the League). So, how do we recover from this long-term loss? his backup recruited during the summer, Isaiah Hartensteinalso wounded, in his left hand. The former Knicks pivot could return to him within 3 weeks.
Chet Holmgren had to be helped off the floor after a bad fall 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5CnkRaSQ4z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2024
“I can’t say if I feel better or worse about it, having experienced something similar before” Holmgren posted from her hospital bed. “On the one hand, I know how to approach it, I know what to do and what not to do and how beautiful the future is. But on the other hand, I feel the failure of this process and the destruction you have in mind. Above all, I’m sad that I won’t be able to help my teammates and play with our fans for a while. Don’t be sad for me, there are many people who have real problems that don’t will be fine.”
Playing without a true 5, or recruiting?
Mark Daigneault now finds itself without a real post 5. Kenrich Williams etc Jaylin Williamswho can play this position, is also injured. Since the start of the season, OKC has bounced back Chet Holmgren.
Tonight, against the Warriors, the Thunder coach tried to align sometimes Ousmane Dieng in the pivot position. The Frenchman, more of a winger, or even a strong winger, has rotated several times in the position since the start of the season. But it’s not a natural position, and does he have the level to be a starter? Jalen Williamswhich is aligned to position 4, can also occupy this position. But he is only 1.98m, and may struggle against big pivots. Especially since his role in attack will be more important without the skinny pivot. Will the Thunder recruit a player on a short contract to ensure continuity at the position? Before looking for an NBA starter, with Isaiah Hartensteinin December? First elements of the answer last night, in front of Los Angeles Clippers.
How will the loss of Chet Holmgren affect the Thunder?
The number 2 in the 2022 Draft did not deviate from the role, offensively and defensively (18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks), and went straight to All-Star Game. The franchise lost its main defensive bulwark, who could be back for the entire All-Star weekend. His absence could hurt the Thunder. In two losses this week (including one in Holmgren), OKC is now 3rd in the West. With the same number of wins and losses for the Warriors (1st) and the Suns (2nd), the people of Mark Daigneault will they keep the bar? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates had to struggle more defensively, at the risk of sinking.