All-Star Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder will open the 2026-27 regular season against the San Antonio Spurs, the team that ended its first title defense in franchise history last season. Holmgren plans to learn from losing Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. Thunder veteran Kenrich Williams has full confidence in his All-Star forward.

Williams pointed to Holmgren's offseason approach as evidence that Holmgren's entering the season with a chip on his shoulder.

“The thing about Chet is he loves adversity,” Williams said. “He's always been a hard worker ever since I met him. He's always been about basketball. So, none of that has changed. He put the work in this summer. I'm excited to see his growth and what he's able to help us out with this year cause there's going to be something new this year as well. He's a big part of who we are as a team and a big part of us winning, to be honest with you. I'm looking forward to playing with Chet and getting back out there with him.”

Looking back on Holmgren's career as the second overall pick in 2022, Williams praised Chet's ability to improve under the pressure that comes with being a top NBA prospect.

“It's special. I have no idea what that feels like; to be in the spotlight since a young kid,” Williams added. “But he's handled it well. He's the ultimate professional. Ultimate teammate. He'll give you the shirt off his back. He's that type of guy. The main thing has always stayed the main thing with Chet. It's always been about putting the work in, and it's always been about basketball with him. When you got that combination and that mentality, and that work ethic, the sky's the limit. And he's young.”

Holmgren's breakout season led to his first All-Star selection, an All-Defensive First Team nod, and an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2025-26. Averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, Holmgren is poised to take another step in his development this upcoming season.

However, a right quad contusion sidelined him throughout the preseason. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault couldn't confirm Holmgren's availability for Oklahoma City's Opening Night showdown against the Spurs, but he said the team will make an official announcement soon.

“Everybody did something in practice today to varying degrees based on individual situations, but in terms of availability of any player, I'll leave it to the injury report,” Daigneault said. “We'll report at 5 o'clock the day before the first game.”

Daigneault and the Thunder fell to the Houston Rockets, 116-89, in their preseason finale.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thunder's Chet Holmgren ahead of 2026-27

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander believes Chet Holmgren will bounce back after his Game 7 performance against the Spurs in last season's Western Conference Finals. He isn't concerned that Holmgren's four-point dud will carry into the 2026-27 season.

Gilgeous-Alexander discussed Holmgren's approach during Thunder's Media Day.

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“Chet's a really, really, really good basketball player. Basketball is like life; there are ups and downs,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He works super hard. Has the right intentions. Gets the job done every night. Super motivated. Just because he had a bad outing to some, doesn’t mean those things change about him. He’s the same guy. Same character. I expect Chet to get better like he’s done his whole career.

“Still super young. Still has so many games ahead of him. I’m not worried about his development, him growing, and ultimately, this team growing because of how big of a cornerstone he is for us.”

The Thunder will face the Spurs on Opening Night on Tuesday.