Even though the entire world has gone digital, being on the cover of a SLAM Magazine still ranks high as one of the coolest career achievements for NBA players after graduating to the top of the league. Jalen Williams experienced that firsthand on Wednesday.
Williams was the subject of a feature piece by SLAM Magazine. The story detailed his journey from a late high school bloomer to a quiet college prospect to an NBA champion. The 24-year-old has had one of the more unlikely ascensions to stardom.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had one of the greatest seasons ever. They finished with a historic 68-14 regular-season record and captured the Larry O’Brien trophy. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets all the credit, they wouldn’t have been able to do that without Williams’ breakout season. He became a first-time All-Star and All-NBA player.
Battling through a wrist injury, Williams added to his mythos in the playoffs. Entering with questions on if he’s a good-enough second-best player on a title contender, he shushed those concerns. His apex was a 40-point outburst in a Game 5 win in the 2025 NBA Finals.
It’s been a summer filled with festivities for the Thunder and Williams. Being the face of a SLAM Magazine cover is the latest of a long list of cool bucket list items he can cross off. This comes with the territory of winning an NBA championship. You get celebrated for months afterward.