The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since their relocation from Seattle in 2008, igniting fresh excitement around the franchise. Central to their success in the 2025 NBA Playoffs is Jalen Williams, whose performance has sparked a growing conversation about a notable comparison in NBA history.
Before the playoffs began, many critics doubted whether Williams was a strong enough secondary scorer to elevate the Thunder’s championship hopes. However, he has consistently delivered during this postseason, offering balanced contributions without overwhelming star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Williams is currently averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in nearly 35 minutes per game, showcasing remarkable versatility on both ends of the floor.
The Thunder’s dominance was evident during their recent game four victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis, where Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the media. This collective effort has fueled Oklahoma City’s charge toward the NBA Finals and captured widespread attention in the basketball community.
Williams’ versatility and all-around skill set have drawn comparisons to Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion known for being Michael Jordan’s indispensable teammate on the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Pippen was celebrated for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and adaptability — traits that are increasingly associated with Williams in this postseason run.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst recently highlighted this parallel during an appearance on Get Up, suggesting that Williams could enjoy a career reminiscent of Pippen’s.
“There are people in this league who believe that Jalen Williams can have a Scottie Pippen-like career,”
Windhorst said.
“Jalen Williams was the guy who unlocked SGA throughout that whole [Game 4]. That one to maneuver could be a big thing, not just tonight, but for the next decade in the NBA.”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
As the Thunder continue to position themselves as a leading contender in the league, many consider their current roster, led by Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, to be capable of ending years of competitive parity in the NBA. Williams’ rising influence suggests he will be integral to Oklahoma City’s future success.