Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s flashy, breakout second-year forward, has gone to the bank. He signed a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that can be worth up to $287 million. This agreement comes on the heels of a career year for the 6-foot-6 wing. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while displaying an all-around game, slicing through the competition at a highly efficient 48.4% shooting clip.
Williams made headlines during the NBA Finals, where he became the first player in history to increase his scoring total in each of his first five career Finals games. He played great down the stretch, especially against Denver, increasing his point total from 17 up to 19. Then he followed that with 26 and 27-point nights, reaching a series-altering 40 points in Game 5. This impressive accomplishment raised the standard for rookie talent, cementing his legacy in NBA folklore.
Williams was more than just a scoring machine, and last year, he proved he could do it all. In the process, he joined an elite group of only four players who’ve scored at least 1,400 points and recorded 100 steals. Now he shares this pretty darn impressive distinction with bright stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and James Harden. Williams has one of the greatest wingspans — if not the greatest — ever recorded, measuring over seven feet. This extraordinary ability is what allows him to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He’s adept at using his 7-5 wingspan to clog passing lanes, intimidate penetrators, and defend the basket.
The Thunder’s long-term commitment to Williams fits into their plan to eventually add talent that will complement a championship-contending team. Alongside fellow players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, who have secured long-term extensions, the trio represents a formidable foundation for Oklahoma City. Combined, their contracts amount to just over $822 million, a strong commitment from the franchise to its recently developed core.
Even while dealing with enormous off-the-field stressors, Williams stayed focused and made big plays all season long. He fought through a major wrist injury he had picked up on April 9th. This injury featured an acute WHIP injury with a complete scapholunate ligament tear. Even with his wrist taped like a football player, he continued to make major contributions. In every second, his commitment to the organization and its dreams was evident.
Williams’ accolades go further than just his scoring and defensive prowess. As a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he won both All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors in his third year. This accomplishment paved the way for him to be one of the league’s breakout stars. In the playoffs, he and Gilgeous-Alexander became the best backcourt in Thunder history. They accounted for 1,180 total points scored, the fourth most by a two-player combo in a single postseason.
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