OKLAHOMA CITY — On Saturday, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren opened a local community court to allow children to grow their games.
The court was designed and built with the help of JD Sports, who worked in partnership with Holmgren and the Thunder. The seven-foot rookie spoke about the importance of helping the next generations by providing them the tools to prosper.
Holmgren reminisced on his childhood, saying it was always special when players opened public basketball courts near him. He also talked about how he refers to OKC as his city.
“I feel like saying (my) city is appropriate because I feel like I’m a part of this city just as much as anybody else who’s lived here or grew up here,” Holmgren said. “I take pride in living here and living here the right way.”
Considering it’s his second year, expect Holmgren to be with the Thunder for a very long time, which will give him plenty of time to fulfill his hope of building more local courts.
Holmgren has had a phenomenal rookie season, rounding out one of the best trios in the league with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The Thunder (39-17) will fight it out for the first seed for the rest of the season.
In 56 games, Holmgren is averaging 16.9 points on 54% shooting, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 blocks. He’s shot 39.6% from 3 on 4.3 attempts.
Here at the opening of Chet’s court for kids at Spencer pic.twitter.com/wykcE1DvKn
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 24, 2024
Chet talks about the importance of opening a community court, saying it’s been something he’s wanted to do since being drafted by the Thunder pic.twitter.com/heqCHXQvu2
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 24, 2024
Chet cuts open the ceremonial ribbon with some help lol pic.twitter.com/nGbL8TIDSu
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 24, 2024
Chet on the opening of his community court: “It’s always been a dream for me. I’ve seen guys who came before me do stuff like this in different cities all across the country. I would’ve loved for something like this to happen in my neighborhood growing up.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 24, 2024
Chet Holmgren when he referred to OKC as his city during the Q&A with JDub pic.twitter.com/QzAvMr1fgf
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 24, 2024
