Jalen Williams spoke to media at Thunder Media Day on Monday, addressing questions regarding his journey in the offseason.
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All-Star forward Jalen “JDub” Williams begins his fourth season with Oklahoma City, which drafted him 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Williams was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023 and has improved statistically each season. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 48.4% shooting and 36.5% from 3-point range last season. That production earned him his first All-Star appearance and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team.
However, Williams says his success on the court is a byproduct of the team’s goals for success.
“We’re not playing for the TV games or a contract,” Williams said. “This is going to sound really dramatic, but you are chasing greatness. You’re chasing to achieve stuff that hasn’t been done in our organization.”
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Williams, who signed a five-year, maximum rookie contract with the Thunder over the offseason, says he works to make sure he is where his team needs him.
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“Getting notoriety is not something I’m playing for,” Williams said. “My job, defensively, is to make sure I’m on time and I’m doing the right things for my team.
Williams played in 69 games despite suffering a torn wrist ligament late in the regular season. The injury did not prevent him from averaging 21.4 points in the playoffs, including a 40-point performance in Game 5 of the Finals against Indiana.
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Williams underwent surgery July 1 and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. He signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $287 million following the championship run.
Christian Hans
Christian Hans is a Digital Content Producer for News 9. He joined News 9 full-time in July of 2022 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma.
Drake Johnson
Drake Johnson is a Digital Content Producer at Griffin Media. He joined the team in July 2021 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in journalism.