Does Wingspan Offset Weight? the Science Behind Chet Holmgren’s Shot Blocking and Durability
By Sophia Al-Mansoor
Holmgren's defensive presence appears vividly across analytical models. His rim deterrence rating, the percentage of possessions where opponents decline to attempt a shot within six feet when he is nearby, ranks among the league's top five. Opponents recognize that challenging his standing reach yields low expected points per possession, frequently kicking the ball back out to the perimeter under duress.
The numbers back up the film. Holmgren consistently records high marks in defensive win shares, lifting Oklahoma City to a top-tier defensive rating since his rookie campaign. The table below details how his physical reach and defensive outputs compare with elite modern rim protectors.
| Player Profile | Wingspan & Standing Reach | Opp. FG% at Rim (Diff) | Defensive Win Shares (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chet Holmgren (OKC) | 7'6" wingspan / 9'6" reach | -10.8% to -12.4% | 4.2, 4.8 |
| Victor Wembanyama (SAS) | 8'0" wingspan / 9'10" reach | -12.5% to -14.2% | 4.6, 5.2 |
| Rudy Gobert (MIN) | 7'9" wingspan / 9'7" reach | -11.2% to -13.0% | 4.5, 5.0 |
| Anthony Davis (LAL) | 7'5.5" wingspan / 9'0" reach | -9.5% to -11.1% | 4.1, 4.6 |
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