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.