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Had it not been for an absolutely incredible rookie season from Victor Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren would have been the talk of the NBA a year ago.
Holmgren was the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft but sat out the entire season after suffering a foot injury in the preseason. He finally made his debut in 2023 and looked like a future star, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game for a breakout Thunder team, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting in the process.
But misfortune struck Holmgren again on Sunday night. He came crashing to the ground after attempting to block a shot by Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors.
Chet Holmgren had to be helped off the floor after a hard fall 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5CnkRaSQ4z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2024
Holmgren required help leaving the court and was eventually taken to the hospital. Doctors discovered that Holmgren suffered a right iliac wing fracture, which is a major portion of your hip/pelvis. The injury will keep Holmgren out for several months.
Chet Holmgren Sends Message To Fans While Sitting In Hospital Bed
While sitting in a hospital bed, Holmgren took a moment to share some of his thoughts on Twitter.
“Can’t tell if I feel better or worse about this having been through something similar before,” he began. “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 wear it puts on your mind.
“Most of all I’m hurt I can’t help my teammates and play for our fans and supporters for a while. Everyone who sticks with me and our team, along with my need for hoops, is a big part of my passion to return. Don’t pity me or feel bad, there’s lots of people out there rn with real problems that don’t heal.”
Holmgren signed off the message by saying “Thoughts from da hospital bed.”
Holmgren’s message was heartbreaking, yet uplifting all the same. You can tell how much the injury is weighing on him mentally. But he seems to have a good sense of perspective.
Here’s hoping it’s not too long before he’s back on an NBA court and looking like the star player he appeared to be developing into.