Assuming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t mysteriously forget how to dominate after finishing second in MVP voting last year, Chet Holmgren’s inclusion on this list means we’re predicting three OKC Thunder players will be in the mix for All-Star consideration.

If that seems like too many, keep in mind that we’ve actually seen four teammates make the game several times in the last decade. If the Thunder are who we think they are, a trio should be no problem.

As a rookie, Holmgren was one of three players to block 120 shots and make 120 threes. His third-option status on a stacked OKC team limited his usage, but his two-way impact was still profound. If not for Wembanyama, the versatile 21-year-old would have run away with Rookie of the Year honors after finishing with 16.5 points 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks per game.

Holmgren should see more than last year’s 29.4 minutes per contest in 2024-25, and his in-season growth portends a statistical spike. We’re talking about a 7-footer who can stretch the defense and protect the rim, which is uncommon enough. But Holmgren also showed the rare ability to hone other skills over the course of the year. For example, he went from coughing the ball up on drives all the time to excelling as a driver in traffic.