Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams may not be wondering whether or not he has his peers’ respect. However, after being given his flowers by a player in the running for ‘future face of the NBA,’ the rising star can rest assured that the league is taking notice.
With the league’s top talent in Indianapolis for the 2024 All-Star Weekend, Minnesota Timberwolves leader Anthony Edwards took to the podium to answer questions from the surrounding media. Always ready to provide an entertaining interview, his presser was sure to be full of gems. He didn’t disappoint.
When asked who he believes is the most underrated player in the league, the Georgia native could have named a few players, from teammate Rudy Gobert to Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. Instead, he named Williams, the 22-year-old who began his basketball career as a 3-star guard out of Gilbert, AZ.
Anthony Edwards dubs Jalen Williams ‘the Most Underrated Player in NBA’
Not many NBA players have come out of Santa Clara and dominated. In fact, out of the 16 players that have been drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent, only two have been named as All-Star selections: 1955 No. 5 pick Kenny Sears and 2-time Steve Nash.
Jalen Williams has a chance to become the third Santa Clara alum to earn that distinction and the first since 2012, Nash’s last year as an All-Star.
Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was a quick riser on mocks that summer and for good reason. Despite having average athleticism, he has solid length for his position at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Furthermore, Williams displayed enticing versatility and efficiency as a playmaking three-level scorer. To that point, players with exceptional physical attributes can often excel in the NBA. Nonetheless, those who are skilled and dynamic can often do just as well or better.
For the Thunder, acquiring upper-echelon athletes isn’t the primary goal. That’s made clear by their drafting players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If they can get a player with elite skill and rare athleticism, like Chet Holmgren, perfect. However, Oklahoma City prioritizes the skill component.
That’s a markedly different tact than that of yesteryear. Teams traditionally valued athleticism more than skill. But consider how the Thunder’s players have been able to smoothly transition to the next level. OKC’s course of action is nothing short of shrewd.
That certainly appears to be the case with Williams. After averaging 18.0 points and 4.2 assists per game in his third and final college season, he averaged 14.1 points and 3.3 assists per game as a rookie. Now in his second NBA season, Williams is averaging 19.2 points and 4.6 assists per game.
What’s Next for J-Dub?
NBA spacing allows Jalen Williams to utilize his glide and stride in ways that mask his lack of elite straight-line speed.
That, when combined with his ball-handling ability, playmaking, and improved jumper make him a dangerous offensive player. Of course, nobody expects Williams to continue shooting 45.3 percent from 3. It’s not impossible— as evidenced by sharpshooters like Kyle Korver— just highly unlikely.
In any case, the next step in Williams’ offensive growth is becoming even more of a go-to scorer.
Aside from his skillset, his clutch performances make him the perfect sidekick for 2024 NBA MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In fact, Williams leads the Thunder with 69.2 percent shooting in the clutch this season, including 44.4 percent on 3-point attempts. He’s second on the team in total clutch points (55), behind only Gilgeous-Alexander (84).
That said, while players make a lot of money with their offense, the importance of defense continues to be an understatement. An engaged and fluid on-ball defender as well as a disciplined team defender, Williams can wreak havoc on that end. He’s currently averaging 1.4 steals per game, 17th in the NBA.
When discussing the OKC’s 37-17 record, more emphasis should be placed on the lift that Williams provides. As Williams continues to improve on both ends, the sky is the limit for him and the Thunder.
