After their close victory against the New York Knicks on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder are proving they are a serious contender for the NBA championship this season. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have a 52-22 and currently sit alone as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they have already clinched their first postseason appearance since the 2019-20 season. Although Gilgeous-Alexander is having a fantastic season, other Thunder players deserve to be acknowledged. And apparently, long-time NBA analyst and founder of The Ringer Bill Simmons agrees. In a recent episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast, he likened OKC forward Jalen Williams to two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard: “There’s a lot of Kawhi when I watch Jalen Williams.”
“There’s a lot of Kawhi when I watch Jalen Williams.”@BillSimmons and @ryenarussillo discuss the potential of Jalen Williams after his massive game yesterday at MSG: pic.twitter.com/xVhiFyAzq7
— The Ringer (@ringer) April 1, 2024
In Sunday’s win, Williams scored 33 points while shooting 14-for-18 from the field. Additionally, the second-year wing recorded four rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. On the season, Williams is averaging 19.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Bill Simmons Compares Second-Year NBA Player to 2x Finals MVP
The NBA World Acknowledges Jalen Williams’ Game
In February, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said Williams was the most underrated player in the NBA.
Additionally, former MVP James Harden recently said, if he could pick anyone to wear his shoes, he would pick Williams:
When asked who he’d like to see sport his Adidas shoes, Harden picked Williams, saying he’s felt like an older sibling seeing him develop into one of the best wings in the league so quickly. “He’s been killing it. I feel like a proud big brother,” Harden said about Williams. “I think that’s our job is to create something special to give back to the younger generation.”
“Is there anyone in the league you want to see where your shoes?”
James Harden: “Jalen Williams. He’s been killing it… I feel like a proud big brother.” pic.twitter.com/ZknzwdGGnm
— z – Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 29, 2024
Jalen Williams is No Kawhi Leonard…Yet
Williams has shown a lot of promise in his second season. At 23 years old, he should only continue getting better and becoming a mainstay in the league for at least another decade. That said, he is not Leonard just yet. On paper, there are some similarities in their games. Both of them are long wings who can contribute to every aspect of the game. Additionally, Williams has shown flashes of being able to take over a game like he did against the Knicks. This is something Leonard has been able to do countless times in his NBA career. However, beyond that, the two are not entirely comparable. Leonard is much more athletic and is a greater presence on the defensive side of the ball. Williams, however, is a better pure shooter than Leonard is and makes himself noticed in different ways.
Jalen Williams put on a SHOW in the @okcthunder‘s down-to-the-wire win at MSG 🤩
33 PTS | 14-18 FGM | 8 AST pic.twitter.com/tP82d48H5n
— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2024
All that said, the Colorado native is an intriguing player who can help the Thunder win for years to come.
