Chet isn’t worried about a popular concern for the team among fans

Easing into their preseason slate, the Oklahoma City Thunder are already answering some of their most asked questions this offseason. By the first week of July, many people understood that the Blue and Orange had arrived as a legitimate contender for the foreseeable future. But some were only somewhat willing to write off their potential downfalls.

Harboring one of the league's most talented and depth-rich rosters, the Thunder look as strong as any championship-winning team in the last ten years. From offensive stars to pestering on-ball defenders, last season may have exposed the team's interior weakness. But this season already looks and feels entirely different.

Is the double-big lineup already gaining steam?

With any star offseason acquisition comes a few potential question marks. While no one denied that the Thunder instantly patched a central hole by adding star big man Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, many quickly pointed out the potential adjustment it would require for him to gel with 22-year-old rising star Chet Holmgren.

The Gonzaga product is arguably the second-best player on the Thunder roster and is in the infancy of his potential superstar development. Would adding another frontcourt star limit Chet's growth? Would the change in playstyle be too significant to sustain over a season?

Although these questions will reach a definitive answer in the regular season, the preseason has given the Bricktown faithful nothing but optimism that the big men will create chemistry and generate a completely fresh two-way dynamic that can make a championship-sized difference.

"It's been fun so far," says Chet of his pairing with Hart. "It'll continue to be. He's an outstanding player and brings a different dynamic to this team than we've had. Playing with somebody with that style is enjoyable because it differs from what we've done."

With the work Holmgren was seen putting in this offseason, perhaps nothing will make him feel limited in his opportunities this season. The dreaded "sophomore slump" is something virtually every second-year player feels.

But for No. 7, he doesn't only want to create chemistry with the 26-year-old big man; he wants to use his companionship to help the Thunder climb the ladder and reach the NBA mountaintop. With pressure and expectations on the team not giving an inch, OKC is confident that creating chemistry won't be a concern in 2024–25.

Related: The OKC Thunder want to maintain a strong preseason run with a win against Denver