Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren vows to return following pelvis fracture

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren is facing another setback after fracturing his pelvis during the team’s 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Holmgren contested a layup by Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins. After the fall, Holmgren remained on the floor for several minutes and was helped off the court, unable to put weight on his right leg.

On Monday, the Thunder announced that Holmgren had suffered a right iliac wing fracture. While the injury will sideline him for an extended period, the team stated that Holmgren is expected to return later this season. Oklahoma City plans to update his recovery progress in approximately eight to ten weeks.

Taking to social media from the hospital, Holmgren shared his mixed feelings about the injury: “Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “On one hand, I know how to approach it, I know what to do, what not to do and how beautiful the other side is. But on the other hand, I’ve felt the frustration of this process, and the wear it puts on your mind.”

Holmgren went on to emphasize his disappointment at not being able to help his teammates. “Most of all I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while,” he continued. “Everyone who sticks with me and our team, along with my need for hoops, is a big part of my passion to return. Don’t pity me or feel bad, there’s lots of people out there with real problems that don’t heal.”

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the team’s next steps following the injury, noting that Oklahoma City would need to continue without Holmgren’s presence. “This is a resilient, tough, competitive, adaptive team,” Daigneault said. “And that’s what we’re going to be, regardless of the circumstances.”

This marks Holmgren’s second major injury in as many seasons. The 22-year-old missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to a foot injury he sustained while playing in a pro-am game before his rookie year. Now, just as Holmgren was finding his rhythm in the NBA, the pelvis fracture has interrupted what had been a promising campaign.

In his 10 games this season, Holmgren was averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, providing the Thunder with a crucial inside presence. Holmgren’s versatile skill set and shot-blocking ability had quickly made him one of the standout performers for the 8-2 Thunder.

In his rookie season, Holmgren had already shown signs of greatness, finishing second in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year voting after playing in all 82 games. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game during his debut season, impressing fans and analysts alike with his combination of size and skill.

Despite the loss of their young star, the Thunder have remained optimistic about their prospects for the rest of the season. With the team still posting a solid record of 8-2, they will rely on their depth and the continued growth of their younger players to navigate the challenges ahead. Oklahoma City is set to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, hoping to maintain their momentum without Holmgren.

While the injury is undoubtedly a blow for both Holmgren and the Thunder, the young center’s resilience and commitment to his recovery should fuel his determination to return to the court. With a long rehabilitation process ahead, Holmgren’s focus will likely remain on returning stronger and helping lead Oklahoma City in their pursuit of playoff contention later in the season.