Jalen Williams, Thunder
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Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Jalen Williams is coming into his own as one of the best young stars in the NBA. He earned his stripes after helping the Oklahoma City Thunder win their first-ever championship but had some inconsistencies that drew criticism from sports analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Williams built himself from the ground up, growing into a star for the Thunder. He had to learn from his highs and lows three years into his career, dealing with inconsistent displays on occasion. This took place during the 2025 playoffs, which drew criticism from Smith.
Smith was critical about the support surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, including his All-Star teammate. Williams took note of Smith’s remarks, responding to it during his appearance on the Out the Mud podcast with Tony Allen and Zach Randolph.
“That’s the media. I’m never going to be perfect to anybody, and I’m not,” Williams said. “Don’t really need the league to give me flowers, I don’t really care. I have a ring. I’m really cool with it. Even the Stephen A thing; it goes from he’s inconsistent to now we’re the top 1 duo. I understand how it goes. I know how the game goes. There’s gotta be something to talk about. It’s like the news. The news is always negative.”
Williams proved many doubters wrong, helping the Thunder win the title as the second option behind Gilgeous-Alexander. As a result, he reminded Allen and Randolph about that achievement, understanding the honor that comes with it.
“I get to be in that. That’s rare air. That’s rare space,” Williams added. “It’s cool. I want to experience the whole part of the NBA. So, I don’t really care what everybody else is talking about. I’m playing the games. So, it don’t matter what else is really said or going on.”
What Lies Ahead For Jalen Williams, Thunder
Jalen Williams, Thunder
GettyJaylin Williams #6 and Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Jalen Williams is well aware of the criticism he got early into his career. Fortunately for him, he responded in a way that helped the Thunder etch themselves into NBA immortality.
Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game after 69 appearances. He shot 48.4% from the field, including 36.5% from beyond the arc, and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
Williams was excellent on both sides of the ball, earning a lot of recognition from the league for his efforts. He got his first All-Star selection while landing on the All-NBA and All-Defensive squads.
The young star proved himself in the playoffs, producing 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He delivered in the most important of times, having great displays for Thunder fans to remember.
Oklahoma City flourished with the growth of Williams’ stardom alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP rise. They won a franchise record 68 games last season, having one of the best offenses and defenses in the NBA.
The Thunder will be defending their title next season. While they will maintain the same core, they can expect Williams to continue improving as the team might have a dynasty on their hands if all goes well.