Chet Holmgren saw his destiny change sadly in the middle of summer, two months after being drafted in second position by OKC. Touched on the foot after trying to contain LeBron James on the counterattack, the slender interior finally had to forfeit the entire 2022/23 season.
We have known better to start a professional career. However, the person concerned does not dwell on the past and focuses on the present, his rehabilitation, and the future within a team on the rise.
“I’m the kind of person who likes to live in reality and in the moment. I don’t like to think back to what I did during the summer and say to myself: ‘I would have liked to do it like this or like that’. Anyone would be better than they are today if they could go back and do what they’ve already done.”, did he declare. “It’s not something I like to do. I like to focus on the present and what I need to do to achieve my goals. So I see myself working just as hard this summer to play as much basketball as possible and improve every day. I don’t see myself changing my behavior just because of a situation like this.”
The former Gonzaga also confided that he had no contact with LeBron James since this unfortunate confrontation which forced him to leave the field prematurely and then draw a line under his rookie season.
“At the same time, it’s not like he owes me an apology. It wasn’t his fault. Injuries happen in sport and it’s unfortunate that it happened, but he just happened to be part of the game. It’s not like he had to do anything different. So I’m not expecting an apology or anything like that, but no, I haven’t spoken to him personally.”he added.
A motivating project with the Thunder
His biggest regret is perhaps not having been able to help this Oklahoma City team which could perhaps have aimed higher this season with a Chet Holmgren fit to support Shai Gilgeou-Alexander and his gang. .
“It’s clear that it’s difficult to see my team play and not be able to face other teams with my teammates. I try to live with reality. I have to do what it takes to get there. It’s really a challenge not being able to play and not being able to wage war on my teammates”.
This is probably also his main source of motivation for the future, to do his best to return to the top and help this franchise to reach a new milestone!
“I obviously believe a lot in the players we have in this team, in the coaching staff, in the franchise as a whole. I think we can reach great heights. In the end, it all comes down to what the guys in the locker room decide to do together. It won’t happen overnight. We already know success, but that’s not why it will be easy for the next ten years. We will still have to work hard and face different challenges. This is something we will strive to do. We have a lot of great people in our dressing room, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and working with them.”
