There are only three rookies in the history of the Thunder who can score at least 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a single game in the rookie year. The first is Kevin Durant, the second is Russell Westbrook, and the third is… from Jalen Williams of Santa Clara
Whenever it comes to the team’s vision for the draft, the spotlight will definitely shine on the Thunder, especially the unique vision of GM Sam Presti and the establishment of the team culture, which amazes everyone repeatedly. The “Three Young Men of the Thunder” Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook , James Harden, after being separated one by one, each became the MVP of the league, and became the most regrettable “What if” in the NBA. I wonder if James Harden hadn’t been let go due to salary issues back then, how would the abilities of the three have been? What kind of height the Thunder team has brought, but now it can only be regarded as a topic after dinner.
In the 2022 draft, the Thunder won the second pick again after 2007. They selected Kevin Durant in the draft that year. This time, they decided to pin their future on Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga University. The media expected it, but with the twelfth pick, the Thunder unexpectedly selected guard Jalen Williams from Santa Clara University, a 21-year-old junior rookie.
Jalen Williams is definitely a big dark horse in the 2022 draft. With the progress of the junior season, Jalen Williams’ value has risen. From a player that no one pays attention to, he is expected to be selected by the team in the 20th pick. Let’s go, especially his alma mater, Santa Clara University, the last player selected in the draft dates back to 1996, and that player is called Steve Nash.
Jalen Williams played 33 games in his junior season, averaging 18 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds per game. On the defensive end, he averaged 1.2 steals per game, 50% of his field goals and nearly 40% of his three-pointers. Point shooting percentage, the player with the most points in the West Coast League this season, also made him selected to the first team of the West Coast League in the 2021-22 season, Jalen Williams showed various offensive talents and good dribbling ability in his junior season , shooting ability after the dribble, offensive footwork after the pick-and-roll, self-created gaps, and excellent passing vision. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall, but has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, which adds to his offensive ability. The possibility on the end also allows him to continue to contribute on the defensive end.
Coming to the draft combine before the draft, Jalen Williams showed his ability perfectly. In the two test games, he scored 11 points and 19 points respectively with more than 60% shooting percentage. In addition to offense, he can also use The wingspan advantage and the big man rebounding in the penalty area, as well as the vertical take-off dunk after receiving the small ball, made Rafael Barlowe, a well-known NBA draft media, write on Twitter:
「Don’t be surprised if Jalen Williams ends up a lottery pick」
Then on the night of the draft, Jalen Williams was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the twelfth overall pick, becoming the second Santa Clara University player to be selected into the NBA since 1996. After entering the Thunder, Jalen Williams immediately showed his maturity as an older rookie in the summer league. He played a total of 7 games in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, averaging 12 points per game with a 50% shooting rate. On the end, he can also contribute 1.4 steals per game, but it can be seen that he is not quite suitable for the distance conversion between the NCAA and the NBA. He only takes 1.8 three-pointers per game, and his shooting percentage is 385%.
In the first game of the regular season, Jalen Williams started off the bench, but was hit in the eye socket by the elbow of Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves during a defense more than four minutes into the second quarter, so he was placed on the disabled list and rested. After four games, Jalen Williams began to play steadily and has repeatedly won the trust of the coach. In November, he played a total of 16 games and served as a starter in 7 games. He still averaged 11 points per game with a 50% shooting rate. He also won the Best Rookie of the Month Award in November. In the following months, Jalen Williams played every game steadily, and his performance became hotter and hotter, and the data continued to increase with each month.
