The Oklahoma City Thunder are in between finding an ultimate solution right now. Against the Golden State Warriors, their young star Chet Holmgren suffered a right iliac hip fracture and he is expected to be out for at least 8 to 10 weeks. The injury has left a noticeable gap in OKC’s frontcourt, and General Manager Sam Presti is now facing the challenge of filling that void, at least temporarily.

In light of the injury, former NBA star Lou Williams has suggested that OKC should consider signing one of two former Lakers big men—Dwight Howard or DeMarcus Cousins—to help stabilize the roster. Lou’s logic is simple: Both players have the experience and size to come in for a short-term stint and contribute immediately. Dwight, in particular, has been vocal about his availability. As Lou Williams put it, “Dwight have or been on line. He is big holding that, ‘I am available, I am around, maybe that’s something the OKC down to look at. You need him for a week or two. If you are looking for somebody to get some rebounds, that’s got a grind, Dwight might not be a bad look.’’

Howard has made it clear that he’s ready and available for a team that needs a veteran big man for a short-term role. In fact, just days before after being eliminated from Dancing With the Stars, the hoopster pitched himself to the OKC on a podcast. “OKC, ya boy is ready. What’s happening? Y’all need a big, y’all need a vet,” he said. “I ain’t got nothing to do neither; I just got finished dancing. … I’d go to OKC right now. … Two-year [deal], let me finish out. We get y’all a championship and maybe another one.”

He even reached out to Jeanie Buss with a playful song, singing, “I’m in shape for basketball, so Jeanie, give me one more chance” to express his willingness to return to the Lakers. However, the Lakers have passed on him due to his off-court controversies, leaving him without a team. With OKC’s need for immediate help in the frontcourt, signing Dwight could be a low-risk, high-reward move.

On the other hand, Cousins also remains a free agent. While his fitness has been a question. Especially after his history of injuries that led to missing some major games. Cousins is another option that could provide scoring and rebounding for OKC’s short-term needs.

Ultimately, with Holmgren’s injury creating a hole in the roster, Sam Presti will need to consider whether to take a chance on a veteran like Dwight or Cousins. Both have their baggage, but both also bring valuable skills that could help OKC stay competitive while they wait for their star to recover. The question is: will Presti take the plunge and sign one of them? However, one more NBA legend says that Howard is the right pick for OKC.

“This is when you go call Dwight Howard”: Kevin Garnett gives OKC their ultimate solution

Will Dwight Howard come back? After the 2020 NBA Champion, who has been out of the league since the 2021 season looks like he is. Despite a string of attempts to return, no team has given him a chance—until now. Celtics legend Kevin Garnett believes Oklahoma City could be the perfect landing spot for the veteran center.

During an episode of his KG Certified podcast, Garnett and NBA icon Paul Pierce were discussing the league’s top players when Garnett made a bold statement. When asked about the OKC Thunder, he replied, “Nobody from OKC,” pointing out that the team currently lacks a standout veteran presence.

The conversation took a turn when the hosts discussed Holmgren’s injury, Garnett wasted no time offering his solution: OKC needed a seasoned big man to step in. “This is when you go call Dwight Howard. This is where you go call JaVale McGee. I’m calling all the old heads to come in and hold it down until these two guys get back.” Garnett suggested

For Garnett, Howard’s experience and leadership could be the missing ingredient to help OKC stay competitive during Holmgren’s absence. While OKC has promising young talent, adding a veteran who can contribute immediately with his size and rebounding would provide stability to their frontcourt.

As OKC’s front office finds a solution, adding a veteran like Dwight Howard may be what the team needs to maintain momentum in a competitive Western Conference.