Chet Holmgren's elite defense and offensive versatility fuel his undeniable All-NBA case, demanding recognition beyond Oklahoma City's MVP candidate.
As the Oklahoma City Thunder wrapped up a dominant regular season, much of the national conversation has centered around MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and whether he can win it back-to-back. But just as important to Oklahoma City’s rise has been the emergence of Chet Holmgren, and his case for All-NBA honors is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Holmgren’s argument starts with team success, a factor that has historically carried significant weight in All-NBA voting. The Thunder finished with one of the league’s best records and secured the number one seed in a loaded Western Conference.
Teams that reach that level of dominance almost always produce multiple All-NBA selections, and Holmgren has firmly positioned himself as the second most impactful player on the NBA’s most elite squad.
What separates Holmgren from many of his peers is his defensive impact though. While traditional stats like blocks tell part of the story, they don’t fully capture how transformative he is on that end of the floor.
Holmgren has become one of the league’s premier rim protectors, altering shots, deterring drives, and anchoring a defense that consistently ranks among the NBA’s best. Opponents don’t just struggle to score against him, they often avoid challenging him altogether. That level of influence has placed him firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation and made him a near lock for All-Defensive First Team honors.
However, Holmgren’s All-NBA case isn’t built on defense alone. His offensive development has elevated him into a true two-way force. Averaging around 18 points per game while maintaining elite efficiency, Holmgren has thrived as both a scorer and a floor spacer.
His ability to stretch the floor with consistent three point shooting forces opposing big men out of the paint, creating driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander and others. At the same time, he’s proven capable of finishing inside, operating in pick-and-roll situations, and capitalizing on mismatches. That versatility makes him far more than a complementary piece, it makes him essential to Oklahoma City’s offensive identity.
Another factor working in Holmgren’s favor is recognition. An All-Star selection and growing national attention have helped solidify his reputation as one of the league’s rising stars. Around the NBA and across social media, analysts and fans alike have increasingly pointed to Holmgren as deserving of All-NBA consideration, particularly on the Third Team. That momentum matters, especially in a race often influenced by both performance and perception.
Of course, the competition for All-NBA spots remains fierce. Established superstars will make it difficult for Holmgren to climb higher than the Third Team though. Additionally, playing alongside a dominant MVP candidate like Gilgeous-Alexander can sometimes limit individual recognition, even if Holmgren’s impact is undeniable.
Still, the overall case is compelling. Holmgren checks nearly every box: elite team success, defensive dominance, offensive efficiency, and growing league wide respect. For a Thunder team aiming to cement themselves as a new powerhouse, having multiple All-NBA players would only reinforce what the numbers and eye test already suggest.
If the ballots were cast today, Holmgren’s path becomes clearer. A First Team selection feels unlikely given the star power at the top of the ballot, while a Second Team nod would be more of a fringe outcome depending on how voters weigh team success versus individual dominance. However, a Third Team selection stands out as a very strong and realistic possibility. One that would solidify Chet Holmgren as not just a rising star, but already one of the league’s elite players.