Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City sensation, has done it again! Just months after winning the NBA championship, he's now the third Gonzaga alum to be named an NBA All-Star, an incredible feat.
This elite club was previously limited to two legends: John Stockton, a 10-time All-Star with the Utah Jazz, and Domantas Sabonis, a three-time All-Star. But Holmgren is making his own mark.
On Sunday, he joined an exclusive list of NBA West All-Star reserves: Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Deni Avdija, and the iconic LeBron James. And this is where it gets exciting: the 2026 NBA All-Star Game introduces a fresh format, pitting two American teams against a 'World Team' in a round-robin tournament.
As the seventh Thunder player to achieve All-Star status, Holmgren will team up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, in Los Angeles. His performance this season has been stellar, with career-highs in scoring and rebounding, and ranking third in the league for blocks.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite a strong start, the Thunder's recent record has been less impressive. Yet, they still hold the NBA's best overall record. And Holmgren is a key part of this success, joining an elite group of players with his scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentages.
Holmgren's defensive prowess is undeniable, earning him the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month title in December. And his journey to the NBA is a fascinating one. After being the top high school recruit, he chose Gonzaga, following in the footsteps of his high school teammate Jalen Suggs.
His impact at Gonzaga was immediate, leading them to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a surprise loss, his stats were remarkable. And his NBA journey began with a hurdle, missing his rookie season due to injury, but he bounced back to lead the Thunder to the Western Conference Semifinals in his second year.
The NBA Finals against his former Gonzaga teammate Andrew Nembhard showcased Holmgren's talent, as he played a pivotal role in the Thunder's championship win. So, is Chet Holmgren the next big thing in the NBA? The numbers and accolades certainly suggest so. What do you think? Is he destined for greatness, or is it too early to tell?
