Chet Holmgren points to health when asked about the Nuggets’ growth

In the middle of his first All-Star Weekend appearance, a reporter asked Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren about the growth he saw in the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder’s Holmgren talked about his personal growth this season before heading to his first All-Star game selection. However, he seemed hesitant when talking about how much the Nuggets have improved as a team.

Instead, Holmgren talked about injuries The Nuggets have experienced this season, much like the Thunder’s injury-riddled campaign.

“Denver has a few different players on their roster that have made some moves this summer,” Holmgren said. “They were a really good team last year. They’re a really good team this year. They’ve had a few injuries, and so have we, and so has everyone in the league. Hopefully they can get those guys back and we can get all our guys back. At the end of the day, every team wants every team to play fully healthy and at their best. So we’re hoping for that.”

The Nuggets have been without All-Star Nikola Jokic for over a month. The Thunder have been without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the last five games. Oklahoma City has also dealt with injuries to Jalen Williams, who has missed 30+ games this season; starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who has gone 16 games; and Ajay Mitchell, who has been out since January 21.

Chet Holmgren reacts to the new All-Star game

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren discussed the new All-Star Game format after making his debut at the star-studded event. Holmgren reflected a turning point in his career.

“I thought it was good. I thought everybody that was out there kind of wanted that, to play good basketball,” Holmgren said. “It felt like, I guess you could say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the floor, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

“It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you were going to get an All-Star ring until I got it,” Holmgren said. “So it was pretty cool. It comes in a little box with a little video. It’s pretty sick, but I think I like our ring a little better than last year.”

Holmgren says he cherished the moment of his first All-Star game.

“I would definitely say during the pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today, I definitely try to take a moment and think about what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren added. “I felt like I’m mostly pretty at this point. I’m just taking it all in.”

Holmgren and the Thunder will continue their regular season schedule when they host the Nets on Friday.