During his first appearance at All-Star weekend, a reporter asked Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren about the growth he has seen with the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder's Holmgren discussed his personal growth this season ahead of his first All-Star Game selection. However, he was hesitant to talk about how much the Nuggets have improved as a team.
Instead, Holmgren discussed the injuries the Nuggets have experienced this season, much like the Thunder's injury-plagued campaign.
"Denver has some different players on the roster who have taken some steps this summer," Holmgren said. "They were a really good team last year. They're a really good team this year. They've had some injuries, as we have, as everybody in the league has. Hopefully, they can get those guys back, and we can get all our guys back. At the end of the day, every team wants to be completely healthy and playing at their best. So, that's what we're hoping for."
The Nuggets were without All-Star Nikola Jokic for more than a month. The Thunder have been missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the last five games. Oklahoma City has also struggled with injuries to Jalen Williams, who has missed 30+ games this season; starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who has missed 16 games; And Ajay Mitchell, who has been out since January 21.
Chet Holmgren reacts to the new All-Star Game
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren discusses the new All-Star Game format after making his debut in the star-studded event. Holmgren reflected on career milestones.
Holmgren said, "I thought it was good. I thought everybody out there was playing a good brand of basketball." “It felt like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there's that level of talent on the field, it's always fun, it's always good.”
He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.
Holmgren said, "It was pretty cool. I didn't know you could get an All-Star ring until I got it." "So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It's too bad, but I think I like our ring from last year a little more."
Holmgren says he treasures the moment of his first All-Star Game.
“I definitely tried to take a moment during pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today and think what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren said. "I felt like I was beautiful most of the time. Just taking it all in."
Holmgren and the Thunder resume their regular season schedule when they host the Nets on Friday.
