Holmgren’s Fast Start Fuels Early All-Star Push in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City’s momentum through the first month of the 2025-26 season has been driven in large part by Chet Holmgren’s sharp leap forward. The 7-foot forward has paired offseason growth with newfound confidence, emerging as one of the Thunder’s most consistent two-way forces. His play has caught the eye of fans and teammates alike, none more vocal than center Isaiah Hartenstein, who has launched a public All-Star push on Holmgren’s behalf.

Hartenstein made his endorsement clear this week, posting a throwback image of Holmgren on social media with the label “All-Star” across his face. The light-hearted caption underscored a more serious point: the Thunder believe this is the season their young frontcourt anchor earns recognition among the league’s elite. With Oklahoma City off to a 15-1 start, that case is gaining credibility.

Holmgren, now in his third active season, has overcome early adversity to reach this point. A foot injury wiped out his rookie year, and last season’s limited availability prevented him from mounting any type of awards campaign. This year, however, his offseason commitment has positioned him for a larger role and greater expectations.

As the Thunder continue to pile up wins, Holmgren’s development is becoming one of the defining storylines of the team’s rise. His blend of scoring efficiency, rim protection and composure has turned him into a central figure for a young roster pushing toward contention again.

1. A Teammate-Led Campaign

Hartenstein’s endorsement came with a humorous tone, but it reflected real belief within the locker room. His Instagram story—featuring an older photo of Holmgren paired with the phrase “God forbid a white boy get a lil motion”—quickly made the rounds among Thunder fans. For Hartenstein, advocacy is easy: Holmgren’s production is backing up the hype. The veteran center delivered 12 rebounds and two blocks during Oklahoma City’s 113-99 win over Sacramento on Wednesday, a performance that helped secure the team’s 15th victory. But it was Holmgren’s night that once again commanded attention, with the 7-footer adding 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Through 16 games, Holmgren has averaged 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest—numbers firmly aligned with typical All-Star-caliber seasons. The Thunder coaching staff has leaned heavily on his consistency, particularly during stretches in which opponents have focused on slowing Oklahoma City’s perimeter scoring. Hartenstein’s campaign, three months ahead of All-Star voting, underscores a belief that Holmgren’s first nod is overdue. For the Thunder, continued team success only strengthens that argument.

2. Offseason Lessons and a Hardest-Ever Summer

Holmgren has been open about the work behind his early-season surge. Asked about his offseason, he described this summer as the most demanding of his career—one shaped by both personal growth and the experience of winning his first NBA title. Even after securing a championship ring, Holmgren refused to ease his workload. Instead, he viewed the postseason run as a guide for improvement. Facing elite opponents repeatedly through a long playoff stretch, Holmgren said he better understood the skills required to thrive under high-level pressure. That mindset contrasted with earlier stages of his career, including the injury-plagued rookie season that forced him to develop without game reps. Holmgren noted that he once worked hard simply for the sake of working hard; now, he works with a clearer purpose, blending smarter training with the same daily competitiveness that has defined him. The Thunder have seen the results. Holmgren has added strength, sharpened his decision-making and become more comfortable asserting himself offensively—all key ingredients fueling his early-season momentum.

3. Building Toward Bigger Stakes

As the Thunder continue to exceed expectations, Holmgren’s evolution is taking on broader significance. His improved physicality has helped stabilize Oklahoma City’s frontcourt, offering rim protection and interior scoring that complement the team’s up-tempo guard play. The synergy between Holmgren and Hartenstein has also become a foundational element of the Thunder’s early success. Coaches have praised Holmgren’s defensive versatility, noting his ability to contest shots without sacrificing switching mobility. His timing as a shot blocker remains a defining strength, while added strength has allowed him to finish through contact more consistently. This expanded skill set has made him one of the league’s more balanced young bigs. Offensively, Oklahoma City has benefited from Holmgren’s efficiency in the pick-and-pop game and his improved confidence attacking mismatches. His willingness to shoulder more scoring responsibility has given the Thunder additional flexibility, especially in close games. The upcoming schedule will test that growth. Oklahoma City faces the Utah Jazz on Friday, beginning a stretch of games that will demand continued consistency. With Holmgren emerging as a centerpiece, the Thunder are treating each game as another step toward long-term aspirations—including potential All-Star recognition for their rising forward.