Stephen A. Smith harshly criticized Chet Holmgren while evaluating OKC’s chances of beating the Knicks in the finals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s young star, Chet Holmgren, secured his first All-Star appearance and an All-NBA selection during the recent season. However, his offensive production noticeably declined in the postseason, particularly during the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The third-year forward’s dip in form during such a high-stakes series drew significant criticism.
Meanwhile, outspoken commentator Stephen A. Smith took his ruthless shot at Holmgren to a deep level. Smith appeared on the Roommates Show alongside Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson on Friday, where he claimed the 2026 NBA title-winning New York Knicks would have little trouble defeating the Thunder in a hypothetical Finals matchup while also delivering a sharp critique of Holmgren.
“Somebody gotta get Chet Holmgren to do a push-up. Unless they get Giannis,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith says the Knicks can easily take OKC in a potential Finals matchup:
“Somebody gotta get Chet Holmgren to do a push up. Unless they get Giannis.”
(via @Roommates__Show) pic.twitter.com/cvu2M7kcWQ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 20, 2026
“>Across the seven-game series, Holmgren averaged just 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Smith was highly critical of Holmgren’s impact in the conference finals. Following the Thunder’s Game 1 loss to the Spurs, Smith even suggested the possibility of exploring trade scenarios involving the young big man.
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However, despite outside noise, the Thunder are not willing to part ways with him anytime soon. OKC executive Sam Presti has reportedly shown no indication that Holmgren will be moved.
NBA Reporter Highlights Chet Holmgren’s Unique Profile Despite Playoff Struggles
Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman previously ranked Chet Holmgren as the 14th-best NBA Draft prospect of the past decade.
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“Holmgren was a one-of-a-kind big with elite rim protection and finishing tools/metrics, plus a convincing shooting stroke. Holmgren could single-handedly change a game defensively while providing ultra-efficient complementary offense at the rim and behind the arc,” the report read.
The Thunder drafted Holmgren No. 2 overall in 2022. Since then the 24-year-old has experienced everything from devastating injuries and championship glory to the crushing weight of high postseason expectations.
