NBA Playoffs: Thunder’s Offseason Begins as Holmgren Faces Scrutiny and Team Unity
By Carlos Mendes | Sports Editor |
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff run ended in heartbreak on Thursday night, but the offseason has already begun—and for a franchise built around Chet Holmgren, the first challenge isn’t rebuilding the roster. It’s rebuilding confidence.
Holmgren, the Thunder’s 2022 No. 1 overall pick and the cornerstone of their future, attempted just two shots in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The loss—114–106—left fans and analysts questioning his role in the franchise’s identity. But as the Thunder entered Day 1 of free agency, team officials and players made one message clear: Holmgren remains their foundation, even if his production in the playoffs fell short of expectations.
The narrative surrounding Holmgren’s playoff performance is complex. While he averaged 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in the regular season, his limited scoring in the Finals—particularly in crunch time—sparked debates about his offensive versatility and the Thunder’s reliance on him as a two-way anchor. Yet, as team president Sam Presti told reporters Friday, the organization’s commitment to Holmgren is unwavering.
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Holmgren’s Playoff Struggles: What Went Wrong?
Holmgren’s two-shot outing in Game 7 wasn’t an anomaly—it was the culmination of a broader trend. In the Thunder’s five-game series against the Spurs, he shot 35.3% from the field, including 2-for-10 in the fourth quarter of Game 7. His struggles mirrored those of the Thunder’s entire offense, which ranked 28th in points per game during the regular season and failed to generate consistent shots against San Antonio’s stifling defense.
Critics, including former NBA players and analysts, quickly pointed to Holmgren’s limited post-move and mid-range game as a liability in high-pressure moments. Yet, the Thunder’s coaching staff has long emphasized his defensive impact and rebounding—skills that were on full display in the Finals. General manager Mark Daigneault, in a post-game interview, called Holmgren’s two-way play “the most important part of his game,” adding that the organization would “continue to develop his offensive skill set” this offseason.
Team Unity: A Message from the Front Office
The Thunder’s front office moved swiftly to counter the narrative that Holmgren was a liability. On Friday, Presti and Daigneault held a joint press conference where they reaffirmed their faith in Holmgren, framing his playoff performance as a “learning experience” rather than a failure. “Chet is our future,” Presti said. “We’re not going to abandon that because of one series.”
The message resonated with the team’s locker room. Veteran guard Chris Paul, who played his final NBA season with Oklahoma City, took to social media to defend Holmgren, writing: “People forget how hard he works. That’s not a bad playoff run for a rookie in his first Finals. We’ll get better.” The support from Paul, a 10-time All-Star, carried weight with Thunder fans, who have historically been loyal to the franchise’s long-term vision.
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What’s Next for the Thunder?
With the NBA Draft (June 27) and free agency (July 1) looming, the Thunder face a delicate balancing act: addressing their offensive deficiencies without undermining Holmgren’s role. Their top priority will likely be adding a complementary scorer to take pressure off their big man. Names like 2024 draft prospect Victor Wembanyama’s teammate Jalen Green (if available) or free agents such as Tyrese Haliburton or Kevin Durant (if he opts out of his contract) have been floated in trade rumors.
The Thunder also have cap space to pursue multiple additions. According to ESPN’s cap tracker, they have approximately $60 million in flexibility, giving them flexibility to sign one or two high-impact players. However, the franchise’s financial constraints—Oklahoma City’s market size limits luxury tax implications—may force tough choices between short-term fixes and long-term investments.
Holmgren’s Development: A Season-Long Project
For Holmgren, the offseason is about refining his game. His pre-draft workouts and rookie season showed flashes of elite potential, but his inability to consistently score in the playoffs exposed gaps in his skill set. The Thunder’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Daigneault, will likely focus on:
Best of Chet Holmgren: 2025 NBA Playoffs Highlights
Post footwork and finishing: Holmgren’s 6’11” frame and soft hands make him a mismatch in the paint, but his hesitation in high-leverage moments needs improvement.
Mid-range shooting: He shot just 32.5% from 10–16 feet in the regular season, a red flag for a player expected to be a primary scorer.
Playmaking: His 1.0 assists per game (per Basketball-Reference) suggest he’ll need to expand his court vision to unlock his offensive ceiling.
The Thunder’s development team is already working with Holmgren on these areas. In a team statement, they noted that his progress in training camp this year was “encouraging,” particularly in his ability to attack closeouts. The hope is that with a more experienced sidekick, Holmgren can focus on his strengths while minimizing defensive mismatches.
Fan and Analyst Reactions: Polarized Perspectives
The Thunder’s fanbase is divided. On one side are those who see Holmgren as the future, citing his defensive impact and rebounding—stats that don’t lie. On the other, critics argue that the Thunder’s playoff struggles prove they’ve overinvested in a player who isn’t yet ready to carry a team. Social media has been flooded with takes:
“Holmgren is the best two-way center in the league. The problem isn’t him—it’s the offense around him.” — @ThunderUpOKC
“OKC spent a top-3 pick on a guy who can’t shoot or pass. That’s not a rebuild—that’s a mistake.” — @NBAAnalyst1
The polarization reflects a broader trend in NBA fandom: the tension between patience and results. Teams like the Denver Nuggets (with Nikola Jokic) and Boston Celtics (with Jayson Tatum) have thrived by developing franchise players over time, while others (like the Minnesota Timberwolves with Karl-Anthony Towns) have faced backlash for similar long-term investments.
Key Takeaways: What Happens Next?
Draft Strategy: The Thunder will likely target a guard or wing to complement Holmgren, with an eye on international prospects who can shoot and defend.
Free Agency Moves: Expect trades or signings focused on scoring—think three-point shooters or versatile forwards.
Holmgren’s Role: His minutes may increase in the 2024–25 season, but the Thunder will need to prove they can protect him on offense.
Coaching Adjustments: Daigneault may implement more set plays to involve Holmgren in the offense.
Fan Morale: The Thunder’s culture of resilience will be tested, but their history of developing players suggests they’ll stay the course.
Looking Ahead: The Next Checkpoint
The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 13, 2025 (though the 2024 draft is already underway). For the Thunder, the next critical dates are:
Oklahoma City Thunder
June 27, 2024: 2024 NBA Draft (Thunder hold the No. 5 pick).
July 1, 2024: Free agency begins. The Thunder will have until July 6 to sign draft picks.
July 8, 2024: NBA’s first day of free agency trades.
October 22, 2024: 2024–25 NBA season tips off. The Thunder will aim to return to the playoffs with a more balanced roster.
For now, the Thunder’s offseason is about more than just basketball—it’s about message control, player development, and proving that setbacks don’t define a franchise’s trajectory. As Holmgren himself told reporters Friday, “We’re not done. This is just the beginning.”
What do you think the Thunder should prioritize in free agency? Share your thoughts in the comments below—or tag @WorldTodayJrnl to join the conversation.
