Chet Holmgren Heads Into First All-Star Game With Praise From Kevin Durant, Team-First Mindset

Oklahoma City's young big man will make his first NBA All-Star appearance on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET), entering the weekend buoyed by high praise from a veteran superstar and a steadying, team-focused approach to his game.

Durant spotlight: mindset over mechanics

Kevin Durant has singled out Holmgren for more than just his on-court tools, highlighting the rookie big's relentless ambition. "He wants to be great. It's that simple, " Durant said, noting Holmgren's consistent work ethic and desire to leave a lasting mark on the game. "Every time he approaches his work, it's that mentality. His mindset is really what stood out to me. "

That endorsement matters. Holmgren, at his size and skill level, already attracts attention for his shot-blocking, touch around the rim and unusual perimeter passing for a 7-footer. Durant's comments frame Holmgren's rise as the product of internal drive rather than flash, and position him as a young player prepared to shoulder long-term expectations.

All-Star weekend: new format and Holmgren's role

This All-Star Weekend shifts to a three-team, tournament-style format. Holmgren is listed on a USA Stars roster that includes several high-level scorers and rising talents, grouped to create competitive balance in the new setup. With multiple teammates sidelined by injury over the weekend, Holmgren arrives as one of the few healthy representatives from his city’s contingent, carrying not only personal stakes but the hopes of local fans watching the festivities.

Traditionally, All-Star exhibitions reward long-range shooting and highlight-reel slams. Holmgren’s strengths are different: finishing around the rim, switching in pick-and-rolls, rim protection and playmaking from the high post. His role in the tournament-style games will likely emphasize efficient finishing and defensive activity rather than volume scoring. That could limit his flash but highlight the kind of impact that matters to coaches and teammates.

Team-first statements and expectations back home

Holmgren has repeatedly framed his growth in team terms. "I've played long enough and I have an understanding that when you try to force your way to things that aren't a win, one, it usually hurts your team, " he said, adding that he still needs to be aggressive but wants that aggression to come in the form of making the right play.

That balance — assertive when necessary, deferential when the situation calls for it — has been on display throughout the season. Some voices have urged Holmgren to take over more games given his size and skill, noting he's the team's premier big and that his shot attempts per game remain modest. Holmgren and his coaches appear to favor impact over stats, trusting that smart decision-making and efficient contributions will translate to wins and, ultimately, bigger moments.

Sunday’s All-Star tournament will be a chance to see how Holmgren stacks up against other elite talents in a condensed, competitive format. Expect him to lean into finishing opportunities, make plays for teammates, and assert his defensive presence in ways that may not show up on a standard scoring line but will matter on the score sheet and the glass.

For a player still early in his career, the weekend provides a platform — both the spotlight of an All-Star appearance and the validation of praise from established stars. How Holmgren translates that momentum into the second half of the season will be a storyline closely watched by fans and evaluators alike.