In a league defined by rivalries, trades, and shifting allegiances, it’s always heartwarming to see genuine bonds between players transcend team rosters. One such friendship that continues to shine brightly is the one between Australian playmaker Josh Giddey and rising star Chet Holmgren. Though no longer on the same team, Giddey has consistently shown love, support, and respect for Holmgren — both on and off the court. Their bond represents more than just basketball chemistry; it’s a story of camaraderie, brotherhood, and mutual admiration.
Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren first made waves as part of the young and exciting core of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Drafted a year apart — Giddey in 2021 and Holmgren in 2022 — they quickly became a central part of OKC’s rebuilding plan. With Giddey’s court vision and unselfish play, and Holmgren’s rim protection and shooting versatility, the two developed a natural on-court synergy. Fans were hyped to see the pairing take OKC to the next level.
However, Holmgren’s rookie season was delayed due to a foot injury sustained during a pro-am game. While that setback was undoubtedly frustrating for fans, teammates, and Holmgren himself, Giddey was one of the first to publicly support him. On social media, Giddey posted a heartfelt message: “Tough break for my guy, but I know he’ll come back stronger. This is just the beginning for Chet.” The message was brief but meaningful, showing the type of support system Holmgren had in Giddey.
When Holmgren finally returned to the court, it was clear that the year off hadn’t dimmed his potential. His timing, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor were still elite. And Giddey, ever the team-first player, adapted his game to highlight Holmgren’s strengths. Their pick-and-roll connection quickly became a highlight reel staple, with Giddey feeding lobs or timing slick bounce passes perfectly into Holmgren’s hands. Off the court, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage often showed the two laughing, discussing plays, or just vibing like longtime friends.
The 2023-24 NBA season saw the Thunder make major strides, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as a top-10 player, and the supporting cast — including Giddey and Holmgren — showing consistent development. It was one of the most exciting Thunder squads since the Durant-Westbrook-Harden era. But in the whirlwind of progress, the NBA’s business side loomed large. Rumors began to swirl about trades and roster changes, especially with the Thunder holding a historic amount of future draft picks.
In a surprising move during the 2024 offseason, Giddey was traded to a different team as part of a multi-player deal. While the move was praised for asset management and strategic cap space alignment, many fans — and even players — expressed sadness at seeing Giddey leave. Holmgren, in particular, took to Instagram, posting a photo of him and Giddey with the caption: “My brother forever. Appreciate everything we built.” It wasn’t a farewell — it was a statement of love, loyalty, and respect.
Since the trade, Giddey hasn’t missed a beat in showing love to Holmgren. Whether it’s reposting Holmgren’s highlight dunks, commenting supportive messages under his posts, or giving him shoutouts during media appearances, the Aussie guard has stayed true to their bond. In one post-game interview, Giddey was asked about his favorite big man to play with, and without hesitation, he replied, “Chet. That’s my guy. His feel for the game is rare, and the way he impacts both ends is special.”
Likewise, Holmgren has spoken glowingly about Giddey, even after his departure. “Josh made the game easier for everyone. He’s a true connector,” Holmgren said during a press conference. “I learned a lot from him, and I’ll always root for his success.”
Their relationship is a reminder that while basketball is a competitive sport, the connections forged through shared goals, long practices, and late-night flights run deeper than just wins and losses. It’s not uncommon for players to drift apart after trades, especially as the demands of new teammates and new systems take over. But Giddey and Holmgren seem determined to keep their bond alive — whether it’s exchanging jerseys after games, training together in the offseason, or simply checking in as friends.
Social media has only amplified their public support for each other. Fans often notice Giddey dropping likes and comments on Holmgren’s posts, or vice versa. One viral clip even showed Giddey pulling Holmgren aside after a game, giving him a genuine hug and some whispered words of encouragement. Moments like these are rare in the high-stakes world of professional sports, where ego and competition can overshadow connection.
As their individual careers continue to rise, there’s always the chance that they’ll cross paths again — maybe as teammates in the All-Star Game, maybe as playoff opponents, or maybe someday reunited under the same banner. But regardless of where their professional paths take them, it’s clear that the love and respect between Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren is here to stay.
In an era where loyalty is often questioned and bonds can be fleeting, Giddey and Holmgren are a refreshing example of what it means to uplift, support, and believe in someone — not because you wear the same jersey, but because you see greatness in them. 🤝
