Jalen Williams Talks Favorite Moments From Rookie Season in Oklahoma City

Jalen Williams certainly had an eventful first season in the NBA. After the Thunder selected him at No. 12, higher than nearly anyone had predicted, Williams became the steak of the draft.

Heading to Oklahoma City on draft night was the best part of his NBA experience to this point, and it might remain that way forever. Williams went on the Don’t Trip podcast and answered many questions about his personal life, basketball, and life after basketball. He talked about the coolest parts of his rookie season, and nothing topped the NBA Draft.

“Obviously, getting drafted was No. 1,” Williams said. “That’s gonna be No. 1 probably forever.”

As a vocal Kobe Bryant fan, it’s no surprise to hear his close second. JDub was a Los Angeles Lakers fan growing up and got to play in one of the most historic games of the season — and maybe all time.

LeBron James’ record-breaking game against the Thunder felt like a turning point for the young squad. It was nationally televised and drew a lot of eyes to Oklahoma City’s true potential and just how good the team already was. Williams was only beginning his late-season tear.

“I would say Lakers game,” Williams answered when asked about his favorite rookie year moments. “And that was Bron’s record night. That was my first time being in Staples. And we won the game, and I had 25. That was a pretty dope experience, obviously growing up a Lakers fan — just like A-List celebrities all throughout the thing watching Bron play. I think that’s going to be one of the heights of my career.

“I started playing really well probably like four or five games before that, and really afterwards is probably when I had my best stretch of basketball.”

All in all, Williams averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game over the course of his rookie season. He was unbelievably efficient down the stretch and became a top-scoring option in Oklahoma City. Williams shot 52.1% from the floor, 35.6% from 3-point range and 81.2% from the free throw line. Despite falling short, he closed the gap between Paolo Banchero for the Rookie of the Year trophy and made an improbable late-season run.

Now, Williams is a key piece to Oklahoma City’s future. He’s a clear long-term starter and has serious star potential. The sky is the limit, and he’s in the right place to grow and develop.

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