Jalen Williams, the budding star for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will miss at least the first 11 games of the upcoming NBA season. This latest blow follows him having had a follow-up procedure this month on that same surgically repaired right wrist. On October 31, 2025, the team flew a procedure to remove an irritatingly placed screw. This screw had been nagging him for months as he was getting ready to come back and play.
The surgery took place at Cedars-Sinai Health in Los Angeles. Dr. Steven Shin, who supervised the procedure, performed Williams’ initial surgery in early July, which repaired a torn scapholunate ligament in his shooting wrist. Thunder medical and psych personnel were in attendance for the recent procedure so that Williams received thorough care before, during and after the operation.
Williams will be reevaluated in 10 to 14 days. This initial evaluation will determine what comes next and is critical to the success of his recovery journey. The young player’s absence will be a huge blow to the Thunder. Yet, the big story is how well this Riders team has started the season at 6-0 despite multiple injuries, including Williams’ continuing battle.
In July, Williams signed a reworked extension of his rookie contract. His new contract includes supermax escalators, which require him to make another All-NBA team. To get these escalators, he needs to play at least 65 games in the coming campaign. Last season, he showcased his potential by averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s postseason championship run while playing with a torn ligament.
The Thunder organization should be realistically hopeful about Williams’ return, and his future contributions to the team. His All-NBA wing skills are critical to Oklahoma City. As they open the season now without him, his impact is profoundly missed.
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