Oklahoma City Thunder: Where Does Jalen Williams Fit In?

Chet Holmgren will not be the league’s Rookie of the Year. In fact, he’s not even going to be viewed as the best Rookie on his own roster. Jalen Williams, the skyrocketing prospect from Santa Clara, has immense potential. Some may argue he has the highest ceiling of anyone in the 2022 Draft class. However, I do not think it’s even an argument. Williams is that good. The question of how to fully utilize his talents must be answered by Oklahoma City Thunder.

For Williams, he’s joining a Thunder team without a true identity. Oklahoma City is seemingly assembling an infinity gauntlet of talent and picks. To be quite honest, it seems they have no real plan in place. While Sam Presti has proven time and time again he can find talented NBA players, given the amount of talent he currently has (and will have) the cream needs to rise to the top. I’m convinced Williams is the player who will stand out.

Given his quick ascent, I don’t believe many view Williams as having superstar upside. Playing in the relatively unknown Santa Clara College, he had arguably one of the biggest rises up draft boards. Many experts in the draft community didn’t have Williams ranked in their Top-100’s. His blend of playmaking ability (4.8 assists) and shooting (.551 FG% on 2-point baskets, .396 FG% on 3-point baskets), and his solid 6’6 frame were simply too much for scouts to ignore. The debate over what his true upside is needed to end with, “unlimited”.

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This all-around offensive game of Williams plays well to Oklahoma Citys’ current core. SGA and Josh Giddey are already carved out as the primary playmakers. The addition of Williams gives those two young stars less responsibility on-ball/running the offense. While SGA and Giddey are more on-ball than off-ball, the case can be made that developing the shot and off-ball will help long term. The addition of Williams also allows the two an additional weapon (along with Chet Holmgren) to kick out for the open 3. Also, another true scorer and playmaker to add to a dangerous lineup.

Williams ultimate ceiling will depend on how well he fits in with the roster and how he handles his role at the onset of his career. He’s not going to be handed minutes right away. Williams could even be slotted for a bench role. Oklahoma City has a lot of players already established or needing to find a spot.

The Thunder did just sign Lou Dort to a new deal. Aaron Wiggins showed a lot of promise at the end of the season. Presti acquired Ousmane Dieng in a draft day deal as well. All of these aforementioned names can eat into Williams time, at first. Despite Williams having the highest ceiling and playmaking ability, he’s going to have to earn minutes. Again, with his ability to create opportunities for teammates ans score, he’s not going to have trouble finding his groove and inserting himself into a significant role.

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I personally want to see a Giddey/SGA/Williams trio. Oklahoma City needs to find a legitimate center (which Arkansas big man, Jaylin Williams, can provide in the short term or possibly long term) as Poku and Chet don’t seem capable of handling the physical demands of center long term. Either playing as a stretch 5 might have more negative implications than positive.

If OKC wants to utilize Chet at the 5 (and they will in certain lineups this season), plugging Dieng into the 4 will likely be what occurs. However, Williams will need to be the focal point of the offense. That is crazy to think with so much talent around him, however, that is how good Williams is. He will be most effective in a wing role, which is why finding that 5 to play alongside Holmgren in the frontcourt is vital.

As a team, the Thunder aren’t really looking to compete. In this case, finding a center who can bang down low (and still stretch the floor) isn’t necessarily the biggest priority as the team figures out its identity. What is known, the ability of Williams to be a difference-maker with his height and playmaking, open up a lot of different possibilities for the Thunder.

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