Jalen Williams is a professional basketball small forward/shooting guard who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as of March 2025. The Oklahoma City Thunder picked up Williams with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut on October 19, 2022. In his rookie season, Williams was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He averaged 14.1 points in his rookie NBA season, and an impressive .521 FG% and .356 3PT%. The 2024-25 season is the third season for Jalen Williams with the OKC Thunder, and he is averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in three seasons. Williams was also selected for the All-Star team for the first time in the 2024-25 season. He was named as a reserve for the NBA 2025 All-Star team.
Nicknamed "J-Dub," Williams attended Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. He was named Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year in his junior high school season. For college, he went to Santa Clara and played for the Santa Clara Broncos. He recorded 1,000 career points during his time in college. He was also a two-time All-WCC. Williams was selected to play for the United States of America internationally. He was a part of the team that prepared for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup but did not play any games during the tournament.
Jalen Williams Draft
The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Jalen Williams with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, becoming the first Santa Clara player since the legendary Steve Nash to be drafted into the NBA. He debuted in the league on October 19, 2022, against the Houston Rockets. He scored five points in six minutes on the day. His first match will, however, be remembered by him for taking a ghastly hit to the face. He injured himself trying to defend a dunk attempt.
He was elected to be a part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team, and Williams placed second in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.
Also read: Jalen Williams' Contract
FAQs on Jalen Williams
A. Jalen Williams is signed to the Oklahoma City Thunder roster of the NBA as of March 2025.
A. Jalen Williams was born in Denver, Colorado, U.S., on April 14, 2001.
A. Jalen Williams went to Santa Clara where he played college basketball for the Santa Clara Broncos.
A. Jalen Williams can play both as a shooting guard and a small forward.
