The Thunder are a single victory of achieving a historic milestone in the franchise: To be NBA champions. In one of the most fun finals of recent times, OKC is at the gates of getting its first ring since its transfer to the capital of Oklahoma. More than 13 years ago the Thunder did not dispute some finals. In that last edition, they fell to a legendary team as they were Fumed He he taised there is nebones, his syemer syems Wund Word.. Now, with a totally new team, where talent and youth are joined, the Thunder can make this historic team with Harden, Durant and Westbrook remain in the background.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, el ‘MVP’ From the season, monopolizes all the spotlights in a team where he is the main reference and the highest star. However, there is a covered player. A hidden talent. A silent hero that has been consecrated as a key piece of the team. We talk about Jalen Williams.
A gift from heaven
Many remember Paul George's historic transfer to clippers as the worst in history. In fact, it is. The movement ended Shai to Oklahoma. But the subject is not here. On the occasion of this transfer, Jalen Williams was selected in 2022 by the Thunder thanks to the Pick 12 of the Clippers. 'Jdub is then one of the great robberies of that draft. A night that was historic for OKC since in pick 2 they managed to get Chet Holmgren. In the same Draft the Thunder managed to bring two of their most important players and who have had this season. Of that promotion precisely, Jalen Williams is the only player who has managed to be there and a member of the NBA season team (if applicable in the third team of the season).
Jalen Williams (Dorsal 8) and Chet Holmgren (Dorsal 7) were selected in the same 2022 draft / Oklahoma City Thunder
Exceptional performance
The 'Jdub' season has been crazy. A madness for many unexpected. His performance has been above what many expected of him. In the same season he has managed to premiere in an All-Star Game, to enter the third best team of the season and could completed a brilliant season with the NBA ring in case of winning one more game to the Pacers. In this campaign, Williams has averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Their performance has been key for Thunder to have gone so far. In fact, a few days ago, Shai got rid of praise towards his partner: “He is a winner. He is one of the greatest reasons we are here.” It is not for less. This morning Jalen Williams has been key with 40 points to bring Thunder to a historical achievement for the franchise.
El 'Pippen' de Shai
Jalen Williams is one of the heavyweights inside the locker room. It is for many reasons. Both on and off the track. The star of the Thunder in her third season in the league is at the gates of matching a record that has been achieved more than 50 years: From Bill Walton (a member of the 'Hall of Fame' of the NBA) in the 1976-77 season no one has achieved in its third season to be All-Star, enter one of the quintetos of the season, enter one of the defensive quintets of the season and, finally, reach the finals of the NBA.
Its spectacular versatility, power and offensive capacity make 'JDUB' a vital player for OKC. With Shai as the main protagonist and star of the team, there are many who see Jalen Williams as the perfect complement, the ideal couple for SGA. In the United States, in fact, the prestigious ESPN journalist, Brian Windhorst, apodó a Jalen Williams como el Scottie Pippen de Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Kobe's path
One of Jalen Williams's referents has been Kobe Bryant. In fact, the player confessed in an interview that Dorsal 8 saw in honor of the one who considers his favorite player. “I don't think he plays anything like Kobe … but every time I see myself in these situations (play decisive moments), I understand the way he was”. Williams also highlighted the importance of 'Mamba Mentity' that characterized Bryant.
Interestingly, Shai also highlighted a few days ago as an important was Kobe in his career. In fact, there are many fans and journalists who see a lot of resemblance in the way of playing Shai and Bryant.
A threat that should worry the Thunder
An exceptional player, who yields to a unique level and has been key for Thunder to be just a ring in the ring. Everything seems beautiful, but there is a problem. A problem that must worry Sam Presti and that is sure to work on it. Jalen Williams is one of the Thunder players who charge the least money. Something that may surprise due to your performance. Players like Kenrich williams, Ousmane Dieng O Nikola Topic They charge more than the eaves. 'Jdub' will charge 4.8 million of dollars this season. Next season will go 6.6 million. It is here that the GM of the Thunder has marked in red improve the Jalen Williams contract face the 26-27 season where the player would be free in case of not wanting to continue in the franchise. However, something that presi knows about plenty is that it should avoid Another case like Harden where Thunder transferred to the best sixth man of the moment to Houston to save his salary and avoid an economic problem. That is why in the future contract, the involvement of Jalen Williams will be vital with the franchise and also see how Sam will manage the situation to retain a player who is already one of the stars of the new NBA generation.
