The Oklahoma City Thunder will begin their title defense Tuesday night. They’ll do it without upcoming sophomore stud Jalen Williams, who the team announced would miss their season opener against the Houston Rockets. Williams is still recovering from surgery to repair his right wrist – an injury suffered during the playoffs.
Williams, a third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defensive selection, tore his scapholunate ligament in his wrist on April 9. He opted to delay surgery until after the Thunder’s championship run, hoping to contribute to the team’s success in the playoffs. He had the procedure in early July, and since then he’s been all about his rehab.
Even with all his work, Williams said he may not be prepared to begin the season. He noted that he just began shooting with his right hand as early as this month. To play through his injury during the post-season, he required upwards of 30 pain-killing shots. He was stellar throughout the entire postseason, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. One of those moments, of course, was Game 5 of this year’s NBA Finals when he dropped a ridiculous 40 points.
On Wednesday, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault provided an optimistic update on Williams’ condition. He boldly predicted that Williams is “making progress” and that he’s “right on schedule.” Williams has yet to announce a timetable for his return. Instead, he’s deeply committed to reclaiming his health.
“Just whenever I feel like I can be a hundred percent, then I’ll rock out,” – Jalen Williams
This summer, Williams set himself up to earn his future in the franchise. His rookie contract included a maximum extension, which includes the supermax escalators. His commitment to the team and determination to recover fully from his injury underscores his importance to the Thunder’s aspirations for another successful season.
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