Thunder’s Chet Holmgren Out vs. Warriors After Suffering Hip Injury in Fall

Rob Goldberg@@TheRobGoldbergFeatured Columnist IV

B/R

The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced center Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks with a pelvic fracture after a hard fall attempting a block during Sunday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Joel Lorenzi @jxlorenziPer the Thunder, Chet Holmgren suffered a right iliac wing fracture on Sunday night. He’s expected to return this season, and a status update will be provided in 8-10 weeks. pic.twitter.com/Eqeu2IRS9h

chet holmgren @ChetHolmgrenCan’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before. 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…

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportChet Holmgren had to be helped off the floor after a hard fall 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5CnkRaSQ4z

Anthony Slater @anthonyVslaterConcern here in OKc: Chet Holmgren took a shot to the side while defending an Andrew Wiggins first quarter layup. Just needed help getting to the locker room. Wasn’t putting weight on right leg. Appeared to be grabbing hip/oblique area when he was on the ground. pic.twitter.com/ZGF3mCwqmG

Everyone involved will certainly hope the young player avoids a longer-term issue after injuries have been a major storyline to this point in his career.

Holmgren was selected No. 2 overall in the 2022 NBA draft out of Gonzaga, but he was ruled out for the 2022-23 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot during a Pro-Am event.

The 22-year-old has proved to be an impact player when on the court, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks entering Sunday’s game against Golden State.

It has helped the Thunder emerge as one of the most exciting teams in the NBA with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and a deep roster of versatile young players.

Unfortunately, the injury to Holmgren could hurt Oklahoma City’s chances of competing with the best teams in the Western Conference.

Ousmane Dieng and Aaron Wiggins could be among those who see a bigger role if Holmgren misses an extended stretch.