Chet Holmgren Launches ‘Beyond the Grab’ to Deconstruct NBA Strategy
Oklahoma City Thunder center-forward Chet Holmgren is stepping off the court and into the role of a professor. In a new series titled “Beyond the Take,” the NBA All-Star and champion provides a professional deep dive into the strategic complexities of the game, offering fans a rare look at the mental processing required to compete at the highest level.
Breaking Down the X’s and O’s
While NBA games are often defined by high-flying action and prompt paces, “Beyond the Take” focuses on the underlying “X’s and O’s” that dictate the outcome of plays. Serving as both host and professor, Holmgren uses film to analyze real-time decision-making and playmaking. According to NBA.com, the series is designed to reveal the thought processes and “tricks of the trade” that players use to navigate the hardwood.
Key Tactical Insights
In the premiere of the series, Holmgren explores several specific strategic elements of the modern game:
- Rim Protection: Holmgren explains the essential keys to protecting the paint and defending the rim on defense.
- The Full-Court Press: He sheds light on the specific tactical advantages teams gain when employing a full-court press.
- The “Double Big” Resurgence: Holmgren examines why more teams are returning to lineups featuring two big men, noting that this trend is driven by the increasing versatility of centers across the league.
A New Era of NBA Programming
“Beyond the Take” is part of a broader streaming initiative launched by the league at the start of the 2025-2026 season. This platform aims to bring a mix of original content, highlights, and live games directly to the audience. The series joins other strategic programming, such as “Coaches Corner,” to provide a more comprehensive understanding of professional basketball.
Fans can access the series through the NBA App, NBA.com, and the league’s official social channels.
Key Takeaways: Beyond the Take
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) |
| Primary Focus | Film breakdown, playmaking, and real-time NBA reads |
| Key Topics | Rim protection, full-court press, and versatile “double big” lineups |
| Availability | NBA App, NBA.com, and NBA social channels |
Looking Ahead
By bridging the gap between professional execution and fan understanding, Holmgren’s series marks a shift toward more analytical, player-led storytelling. As the 2025-2026 season progresses, this level of transparency into the mental side of the game provides a blueprint for how the league intends to engage a more strategically minded audience.