Jalen Williams: OKC’s Rising Star Who’s Turning Heads—And Drawing Big Comparisons
You know how sometimes a young player comes along and just feels different? That’s Jalen Williams right now. And when a Hall of Famer starts saying the kid reminds him of his younger self—well, that’s when you sit up and pay attention. The Oklahoma City Thunder have struck gold with this 22-year-old, who’s gone from “solid rookie” to “legit co-star” alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in what feels like overnight. But here’s the thing—it wasn’t overnight at all. Let’s break down why everyone’s suddenly talking about JDub.
From Under the Radar to Can’t-Miss TV
By the Numbers
Nineteen points a game. Four rebounds, four assists. Shooting 54% from the field. Those aren’t just good stats—they’re the kind of numbers that make scouts go back and check their old notes. And the advanced stats? Even better. A 62% true shooting percentage puts him in the same conversation as guys who’ve been All-Stars for years. But stats don’t tell the whole story. Watch any Thunder game this season and you’ll see it—the dude just makes winning plays. Like that dagger three against Denver back in January. Cold-blooded.
How He Fits With Shai
Here’s what’s wild: SGA is playing at an MVP level, but Williams doesn’t look like he’s just riding coattails. He’s the perfect running mate—can handle the ball when needed, cuts like a madman off it, and guards the other team’s best player most nights. Their two-man game is already scary good. And off the court? They’re apparently joined at the hip, always pushing each other. That chemistry thing isn’t just coach speak—you can see it on the floor.
When Scottie Pippen Sees Himself in You
The Comparison That Stopped People
So Scottie freaking Pippen—six rings, Hall of Fame, one of the greatest defenders ever—goes on ESPN and says Williams reminds him of… well, Scottie Pippen. Let that sink in. Specifically, he talked about the basketball IQ, the control, the way he impacts games without needing to take 20 shots. Coming from a guy who played with MJ? That’s not just praise—that’s a mic drop.
Why the Comparison Works
Watch them side by side and you’ll get it. Both long-armed disruptors who can guard 1 through 4. Both guys who make the right pass before you even see the opening. And here’s the kicker—Williams is actually bigger than Pippen was at the same age. That 7’2″ wingspan is no joke. He’s not Pippen 2.0—but the blueprint? Yeah, you can see it.
What Makes JDub Special
That Swiss Army Knife Game
Most young players are either scorers or defenders. Williams is both—and a playmaker too. He’ll switch onto a point guard one possession, bang with a power forward the next, then run the offense like a seasoned vet. His mid-range is butter already, and the three-ball? Improving fast. Thirty-seven percent this season isn’t Steph Curry territory, but it’s enough to keep defenses honest.
How Much Better Can He Get?
The scary part? He’s still figuring things out. The three-point shot could get more consistent, sure. But at 22, with his work ethic and OKC’s development staff? Man, the ceiling is somewhere up there with the arena rafters. One Western Conference scout told me, “We thought we had him pegged as a solid starter. Turns out we lowballed him.”
Why Thunder Fans Should Be Giddy
That Young Core Though
Williams isn’t doing this alone. Chet Holmgren’s out there looking like a human eraser at the rim. Josh Giddey’s passing like he’s got eyes in the back of his head. Together? They’re the kind of trio that could run the West for the next decade. Sam Presti’s been calling Williams “the glue guy,” but let’s be real—he’s turning into way more than that.
Playoffs? Yeah, They’re Thinking Playoffs
The Thunder aren’t just sneaking into the postseason—they’re sitting pretty in the top four. And Williams is a huge reason why. When games get tight, he’s the safety valve for SGA. That Clippers game where he dropped 32? That wasn’t a fluke—it was a statement. As one analyst put it, “This kid isn’t just along for the ride—he’s steering the car sometimes.”
What Everyone’s Saying
Twitter Can’t Get Enough
After that Clippers game, my timeline exploded. #JDubStep was trending—that’s his killer hesitation move, by the way. Even the usually reserved Tim MacMahon tweeted that Williams isn’t a sidekick, but a “future All-Star in the making.” High praise from a guy who’s seen a lot of basketball.
The Experts Weigh In
JJ Redick called him the most underrated player in the league. Draymond Green—who knows a thing or two about defense—praised his instincts. The consensus? Williams isn’t just good; he’s the kind of player that makes you rearrange your long-term predictions for the whole franchise.
Bottom Line
From late lottery pick to Scottie Pippen comparisons in under two years? That’s not normal. But Jalen Williams isn’t a normal player. Between his two-way game, his fit with SGA, and that scary upside, the Thunder might have found their next franchise cornerstone. My advice? Catch an OKC game soon. Because years from now, you’ll want to say you saw this kid before he was a household name.
Source: ESPN – News
