Chet Holmgren blasts media for twisting his playing in "empty" arena comments - "Chop our quotes up to get reactions"
OKC Thunder big man Chet Holmgren recently went viral for his comments about enjoying playing in the Miami Heat's "empty" arena. However, according to Holmgren, his commentary was taken out of context.
During a Wednesday appearance on the "Road Trippin'" podcast with ex-NBA veterans Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson, Holmgren chose his three favorite road arenas to play in.
After naming the Golden State Warriors' Chase Center, Holmgren selected Miami's Kaseya Center. He highlighted Heat fans' tendency to show up late as his primary reasoning, eliciting laughter from Frye and Jefferson.
"I like Miami because it’s just, like, empty," Holmgren said.
"We know what you mean," Frye said. "They come in late. ... They’re like, 'First quarter? Ah, don’t worry about that first quarter.'"
"So, really, as the away team, you just gotta build that lead in the first three quarters, and then it just stays quiet for the fourth," Holmgren said.
Holmgren's comments were quickly aggregated by various NBA news outlets, with many perceiving them as a shot at Miami's fanbase. However, on Thursday, he set the record straight on X/Twitter.
According to Holmgren, while Heat fans often arrive at their seats late, they always support their team when it matters most.
"Y’all get mad when NBA players never have anything to say to the media, but then chop our quotes up to get reactions," Holmgren said. "I was saying the seats are empty until the fourth quarter when fans come back from the lounges after a few drinks and the atmosphere is great for close games. It's actually a compliment."
Holmgren has only played one game in Miami after missing his entire would-be rookie season due to a right foot injury. However, given his comments, it appears he already has a pretty good feel for Heat fans' approach to games.
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Shortly before Chet Holmgren's controversial comments, Jimmy Butler called out Heat fans
While Chet Holmgren received backlash for his comments about Miami's "empty" arena, his opinion echoed Heat superstar forward Jimmy Butler's.
During an interview with Complex last month, Butler touched on Miami fans' tendency to show up late to games. The six-time All-Star also highlighted his desire to see a packed crowd from the opening tip.
"The worst part to me [is] our fans never show up on time. They never show up on time," Butler said. "And I’m just like, 'Damn. I want it to be rocking from the jump ball.'"
So, Heat fans should have plenty of motivation to arrive earlier to games next season.
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