The reason why OKC must trade Chet Holmgren this summer

The elimination of Oklahoma City Thunder in the seventh game of the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio Spurs has sparked an intense debate about the future of Chet Holmgren. The center, who was overshadowed in the series by Victor Wembanyama, has been harshly criticized by former NBA player and ESPN analyst, Kendrick Perkins, who even suggested his trade.

The Thunder fell 111-103 in the decisive match, in a series where Holmgren struggled to assert himself in the interior matchups and had serious difficulties in stopping the French giant.

During his appearance on ESPN's "First Take" program, Perkins was decisive in analyzing the performance of the young Oklahoma City player and his role in the series.

"I would have traded him before the draft," said the former NBA center.

Perkins questioned Holmgren's competitive attitude during the series and was particularly critical of his response in the most demanding moments.

"He didn't throw a single punch. He showed no toughness... Chet Holmgren proved to be soft and scared. He was scared throughout the entire series," he added.

A series far below his usual numbers

Holmgren's performance in the Conference Finals was far from his best postseason showings. In the series against San Antonio, he averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 51.0% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range.

These numbers contrast with his level in the previous rounds, where he was a key player in the Thunder's path after convincingly beating the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

In those first eight playoff games, the big man displayed his most dominant version: 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game, along with shooting 60.0% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc.

Between criticism and confidence in the project

Despite Perkins' remarks, the scenario of a trade seems, at this point, unlikely within the Thunder's structure, although the debate is now open following his performance against San Antonio.

Holmgren, considered a key piece of the Oklahoma City project and one of the most promising young big men in the league, also faces a future contract of significant magnitude that reinforces his long-term role in the franchise.

The series against the Spurs has raised doubts, but it has also shown a clear contrast between two very different versions of the same player in this postseason.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El motivo por el que OKC debe traspasar a Chet Holmgren este verano