In a press conference in Salt Lake City, Chet Holmgren, the towering 7-foot-1 basketball player, expressed his happiness and relief at being healthy and back on the court.
After enduring a Lisfranc foot injury and multiple surgeries that kept him sidelined for the entire previous season, Holmgren finally made his return to competitive play in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Despite some initial rustiness and physical discomfort, Holmgren’s joy was palpable as he played 29 minutes in the game.
Last August, during a pro-am game in Seattle, Holmgren suffered the Lisfranc injury, which required surgical intervention to repair and later remove screws from his foot.
This injury forced him to sit out the entirety of the previous season. However, with his foot injury now behind him, Holmgren’s focus is on his rookie year in the NBA.
Holmgren’s performance in the game showcased glimpses of his exceptional skills, particularly his elite rim protection and offensive prowess.
Although he appeared slightly sluggish and struggled with his shooting during the first quarter, he rebounded strongly over the subsequent three quarters, scoring 15 points and swatting away four shots.
Thunder Summer League coach David Akinyooye commended Holmgren’s competitiveness on both ends of the court and expressed the team’s excitement at having him back.
Holmgren acknowledged the challenges of regaining game shape after such a long absence. The process of returning to play involves numerous conditioning hurdles, and the elevation in Salt Lake City added an extra factor to consider.
While acknowledging the need for further work on his conditioning, Holmgren expressed confidence in being fully prepared and in-season shape by the start of training camp.
Although Holmgren received clearance for five-on-five play toward the end of the previous season, he recognized the significant difference between pick-up games and competitive summer league and NBA games.
The experience of being on the court, interacting with the crowd, adjusting to the flow of the game, and handling various situational elements is impossible to replicate outside of actual game scenarios.
Holmgren’s return to action is an encouraging sign for both himself and the Thunder organization. It signifies a significant step forward in his recovery process and the resumption of his promising basketball career.
As Holmgren continues to work on his conditioning and adapts to the demands of professional play, the Thunder eagerly anticipates his contribution to the team.
