Jaylin Williams Could Be The Thunder's Next Breakout Player

While everyone is anticipating a leap from other players, Williams could have one himself.

May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) reacts in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The next Thunder player to have a breakout season could be someone nobody expects. 

Between the Oklahoma City Thunder’s great draft history and their ability to grow players, it seems that almost every year, there is a breakout season for one of the Thunder’s players. This previous year, Ajay Mitchell broke out of his shell and displayed that he could be a future star in this league. In the 2024-25 season, Jalen Williams reached the peak of his career thus far, turning into an All-NBA player and an All-Star selection. 

Many have already speculated who the next breakout player will be this season, as the signs are there. Popular guesses include another big leap for Ajay Mitchell, an improved year for Cason Wallace with the starting spot, or even a big season for Jared McCain as he’s bound to have a bigger role this coming year. However, the next breakout player could be someone that is unexpected. 

Oklahoma City forward Jaylin Williams could be the next player to have a big leap next season for a multitude of reasons. Williams has steadily improved over every season, with this past season being his best. He averaged 7.2 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game, putting up solid numbers for OKC while being a defensive-focused threat. He’s also efficient, shooting 42.3% from the field this past year and 38.3 from three.

Williams plays a special role in the Oklahoma City game plan, as he is the man in the middle for the Thunder’s small-ball lineup. This usually limits his scoring production, as he lets four other guards work while he is spacing the floor and fighting for second-chance opportunities on the boards. 

However, with both Aday Mara and Thomas Sorber set to make their debuts for Oklahoma City this season, Williams could see more action at the small forward spot, and not just in the paint. This would allow the forward to get more touches and to have more opportunities to score the basketball.

Williams also has something to prove this year, as this is the last year before his team option on his contract occurs. With all the financial troubles the organization has tried to work around this past year, Williams will have to prove that he deserves to stay, and a breakout year would do exactly that. 

The Thunder are looking for another new player to step up this season and help lead the team on another championship run, and Williams has the potential to be a dark horse to do so.