Chet Holmgren entered the Western Conference Finals as one of the key pillars of Oklahoma Citys future. But after the Thunder fell short against the Spurs, criticism surrounding the young big man started getting louder, and Kendrick Perkins didnt hold back.I would trade him before the draft, Perkins said on ESPNs First Take. And again, its not what he did. Its how he did it, right? Again, not being aggressive in a Game 7 on your home floor is one thing, not trying to attack the basket and not trying to shoot the rock is another. But the way that you got punked, the way that they snatch your soul And this wasnt just a Wemby thing.Holmgren struggled throughout the series against San Antonio, averaging 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds while often looking overpowered physically.Perkins pointed directly to moments where smaller Spurs defenders appeared to outmuscle the Thunder big man.So what San Antonio did all series long was: Chet was guarded by a smaller guy, Perkins continued. We got a clip that showed a video, I believe it was Vassell, blocking his shot in Game six and talking a whole lot of noise to him.This is a guy that is smaller than you. We can pull up countless videos and show the times that Chet Holmgren was getting bodied and put in the basket by smaller guys.Perkins then questioned Holmgrens response to the physicality and pressure of the moment.Its one thing not to show up and say, You know what? At least he went down swinging. But he didnt swing a punch. That shows no heart whatsoever. And the one thing that Oklahoma City is not, one word we could never put on them, is soft.Related Article: NBA Cracks Down on Tanking With Sweeping Draft LotteryDespite the harsh criticism, there has been no indication the Thunder are considering moving Holmgren. The organization still reportedly views him as a major part of its long-term core alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.READ MORE: Victor Wembanyama Sobs as Spurs Advance to NBA Finals
