Editor’s note: Inside The Thunder on Athlon Sports will be publishing a series of “biggest expectation” articles on each of the Thunder’s main roster players (incl. two-way contract players). This will be relative to roles and expectations for the 2024–25 NBA season. Next up in the series is Jalen Williams.
No “sophomore slump” for this guy.
The Oklahoma City Thunder watched Jalen Williams evolve into a confident scorer off the dribble in the 2023 season. He showcased a ton of ability that was missing during his rookie season, which illustrates his exciting potential as he rounds into the early prime years of his career.
The expectation
Averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 54.0% shooting from the field and 42.7% from the 3-point line last season, “J-Dub” made a legitimate case to be recognized as the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He skyrocketed his scoring average and outside shot, which underscores the savvy he established as the Thunder’s second-leading scorer.
Taking it a step further, Williams was the beneficiary of point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s table-setting in fourth quarters, often asserting himself as the takeover shot maker to the tune of 6.8 points per game in the final frame. With the score within five points and under five minutes remaining in the game, Jalen turned up the heat on defenses, shooting 57% from the floor, 53% from the 3-point line, and 79% from the charity stripe.
Jackson will keep playing elite defense, as he can improve even more, with the power forward position being his projected role for the season. Zach Edey is the tall and physical center partner he would love, meaning Jackson could move freely as a roaming shot-blocker in the paint.
Garnett was already high on Jackson’s 2023/24 season, but due to the issues Memphis had to endure, the 2024/25 campaign is JJJ’s shot at meeting those expectations set by his mentor.
Tallying the sixth-most fourth quarter points in the association a season ago, the Santa Clara product has the foundational skill set to leap into the superstar offensive player category. Driving toward his huge potential, the next step up for Williams is to balloon his scoring average to at least 23 points per game and maintain his fourth-quarter clutch shooting next season. Barring a scoring explosion by rising star Chet Holmgren, No. 8 should comfortably assert himself as the second-leading scorer on the team, slightly trailing Gilgeous-Alexander for the lead.
All-Star season loading?
If J-Dub is ready to reach for the stars in year 3, an All-Star selection would be an incredible milestone in the 23-year-old’s development and would be something only franchise icons Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have achieved.
In a Western Conference saturated with superstar wing players, a trip to NBA All-Star Weekend will only happen if Williams reaches down and pulls out an aberration statistical season, perhaps including having to outplay his teammate and last season’s NBA MVP Finalist — SGA — in the first half of the season.
The Thunder are searching for a second All-Star alongside their superstar facilitator to help maximize their championship potential. Williams is a prime candidate to be the next player on the roster to earn that designation, but it may take a couple of more seasons of growing pains before it becomes a reality. However, that’s not to say that J-Dub can’t assemble an All-Star-worthy season even if he doesn’t receive the nod.
Related: Thunder is anticipated to lead the West again
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