Chet Holmgren injury update: Entire rookie Thunder out of 2022-23 season after injuring right foot in Pro-Am

The team announced Thursday that Chet Holmgren, the second-placed Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2022 NBA draft, will miss the entire 2022-23 season. Holmgren suffered an injury to Lisfranc in his right foot.

“We are certainly disappointed with Chet, especially given the excitement he’s been feeling when he hits the ground running with his teammates this season,” Thunder general manager Sam Priesty said in a statement. “We know Chet has had a long career to lead within our organization and the Oklahoma City community. One of the things that impressed us most during the Chet selection process was his determination and focus. We anticipate that the same tenacity will carry him through this period of time as we work together and support him through his rehabilitation.”

Holmgren was playing in “The Crawsover Pro-Am” for Jamal Crawford in Seattle this past weekend, and at one point went up to defend LeBron James over the edge. He looked like he landed awkwardly and was limping as he tried to get back into the court. He left the game after that play and shortly thereafter the entire event was canceled due to condensation on the field. (His injury does not appear to be related to the court case.)

This is clearly disappointing news for him and for Thunder. Holmgren impressed on both ends of the floor during summer league events in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, fueling more excitement for his eventual debut in the NBA.

In his first game in Salt Lake City, he lost 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and six blocks. Over three games in Vegas, he averaged 12 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals and two blocks. Sure, you can only read a lot in the Summer League stats, but his ability to influence the game in so many different ways was exactly why Thunder was keen to make him the second overall pick.

Heading into the draft, one of the few concerns about Holmgren had to do with his body. Many had questions about how his 7-foot-long, 195-pound body would withstand the rigors of a professional game. Some might use this injury as evidence that they were right, but it’s worth noting that this was a game of chance and landing someone’s foot under the basket could happen to anyone.