Thunder's Jalen Williams Listed as a Sophomore to Watch

Oklahoma City’s young core has demanded plenty of attention this season — and for good reason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-level of play into international basketball, starring for Canada, while Josh Giddey took on a lead guard role with Team Australia during the World Cup.

Both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams were selected to participate in Team USA training camp and are highly regarded throughout the NBA. Holmgren’s addition to the lineup is the icing on the cake, giving the Thunder an elite rim protector and a pick-and-roll threat on the offensive end. Williams could be the piece that pushes the Thunder over the top and lifts the team to championship expectations in the future.

If JDub’s rookie season was any indication, the Thunder were lucky to draft a player of his caliber at No. 12. If he can continue on the upward trajectory he ended last season at, Oklahoma City could rocket towards the top of the Western conference.

Recently, the NBA published an article detailing ten sophomores to watch ahead of the 2023-24 season. It’s only right that Paolo Banchero and Williams were No. 1 and No. 2 — just like last year’s Rookie of the Year voting finished up. Williams made a late run for the award and has a chance to star on a young Thunder team this season.

“Williams’ history of continuous improvement should have OKC teammates and fans excited,” Steve Aschburner wrote. “He boosted his scoring by 50% and hiked his numbers across the board after the All-Star break.

“With a stint this summer on the USA Select Team and some muscle added in the offseason, the versatile 6-foot-6 wing should slot in nicely as a sidekick to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and cohort with Josh Giddey and “redshirt” rookie big man Chet Holmgren. Statistically, Williams could stand to shoot more, from the floor and from the line.”

He finished last season averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30 minutes per game. The most impressive part was his efficiency, shooting 52.1% from the floor and 35.6% from the free throw line.

Williams played in one Summer League game before Oklahoma City decided he was too good. He poured in 21 points, four rebounds and two assists in just 21 minutes and the Thunder held him out for the remainder of both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas sessions.

The Santa Clara product is definitely a sophomore to watch heading into next season, and one that could take another big step towards stardom.

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