OKC Thunder: Jalen Williams Climbs to No. 2 on NBA Rookie Ladder

Following a white-hot stint, Thunder rookie Jalen Williams has climbed to No. 2 on the official NBA Rookie Ladder.

Following a white-hot stint, Thunder rookie Jalen Williams has climbed to No. 2 on the official NBA Rookie Ladder.

Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin has occupied the No. 2 spot for months now, but following a 32-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance with two steals and block apiece, Williams has finally unseated the former Arizona prospect.

Williams’ career-high points, featured in a blowout win over the Jazz, capped off one of the stronger 11-game runs for a rookie thus far this season. In that span, Williams averaged 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assist and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 57 percent overall and 50 percent from three.

Paolo Banchero remains in the top spot, as he has since essentially the season’s beginning. And there’s little pressure from others to nab the eventual Rookie of the Year title from him.

But if anyone is supplying that pressure, it’s Williams.

On the season, the former Santa Clara guard is now averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 52 percent overall and 35 percent from beyond the arc.

It’s not yet enough to dethrone Banchero, but if he continues to slump from outside and Williams keeps his foot on the gas, things could get interesting.

The Thunder are currently in a three-way tie for the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. And are just one full game back from being in the coveted Play-In slot. 

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