With Chet Holmgren Out, What Will the Oklahoma City Thunder Do Now?
The Thunder's Future
The Oklahoma City Thunder were dealt a major blow when it was announced that Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, would miss the entire 2022-23 season with a Lisfranc injury. Holmgren was expected to be a key part of the Thunder's young core, and his absence will leave a big hole in their lineup.Options at Center
With Holmgren out, the Thunder will need to find a new starting center. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is the most likely candidate to fill that role. Robinson-Earl is a 6-foot-9, 240-pound center who averaged 8.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season. He is a solid defender and rebounder, but he is not as skilled offensively as Holmgren.Another option at center is Mike Muscala. Muscala is a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center who averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. He is a good shooter and passer, but he is not as good of a defender or rebounder as Robinson-Earl.
Other Options
If the Thunder decide not to go with Robinson-Earl or Muscala at center, they could also consider playing small ball with Darius Bazley at the center position. Bazley is a 6-foot-8, 208-pound forward who averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season. He is a good athlete and defender, but he is not as strong or physical as a traditional center.The Thunder could also look to trade for a center. Deandre Ayton is a name that has been mentioned in trade rumors, and he would be a good fit for the Thunder. Ayton is a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center who averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season. He is a good scorer, rebounder, and defender, and he would be a major upgrade for the Thunder.
