Chet Holmgren applauds Kevin Durant’s ‘greatness’ ahead of season opener

In front Chet Holmgren and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Opening Night matchup against the Houston Rocketswho signed the future Hall of Fame hitter Kevin Durant during the offseason, making them immediate title contenders. After finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season (52-30), the Rockets made arguably the biggest signing in free agency.

Holmgren discussed what Durant adds in talented and young Rockets team during Tuesday morning’s Thunder showdown.

“The same thing he brings to every team he joins — 18 years of hard shooting, basketball brilliance, and we talk about Sengun and Adams being great players, he’s one of the great players,” Holmgren said. “And we also have to come up with a game plan for him.”

Holmgren also admits he’ll receive his championship ring before the Thunder lift their first championship, giving him the start of a regular season he’s undoubtedly unfamiliar with, but he feels good about his team’s approach before playing Kevin Durant and the Rockets.

“It’s definitely a very unique situation,” Holmgren said. “Very rarely do you have that big of a routine change before a game. So tonight will be a unique challenge, but I feel like everyone has a good idea of ​​what to expect, and everyone kind of approaches it in their own way to stay ready for the game that happens right after.”

Chet Holmgren on the Thunder’s historic opener

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren could have a breakout season in 2025-26, as the fourth-year starter, who missed his rookie season, has yet to earn an All-Star selection. After helping the Thunder win a championship, Holmgren positioned himself for a big season, and he’s been in Oklahoma City long enough to realize that watching the fans watch them raise the championship banner is an unforgettable moment.

Holmgren discussed greatness on Oct. 21 for Thunder fans at the Paicom Center.

“I think Sam had the best quote, and I’ll just say it again; when I go in the summer and go home, or train in LA, or wherever I am, people say congratulations. Congratulations on the championship. But when you’re here, people say thank you,” Holmgren added. “A lot of people don’t realize that it really does a lot for the community, especially playing in the playoffs and all those extra games. The extra boost to the economy that it brings.”

Holmgren and the Thunder will face the Rockets at 7:30 EST on NBC/Peacock on Tuesday.