Jalen Williams, once overlooked as a no-star recruit, has rapidly transformed into one of the NBA’s most exciting rising stars. Since entering the league, Williams has steadily developed into an indispensable two-way player, earning comparisons to Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and drawing attention for his impact alongside Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Jalen Williams’ Remarkable Journey from Underrated Beginnings
Williams’ path to NBA stardom was unconventional. Coming out of high school, he attracted no major recruitment interest and began his college career at a small school. A sudden growth spurt helped alter his trajectory, but even then it took time for scouts to recognize his potential. His breakout performance as a junior at Santa Clara, where he averaged 18 points and 4.2 assists per game while playing as a point forward, dramatically raised his draft stock.
The Thunder selected Williams 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, part of a package deal alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acquired from the LA Clippers. From the start, Williams made an immediate impact, finishing as Rookie of the Year runner-up. His scoring and playmaking improved every season, growing from 14.1 points per game as a rookie to 21.6 points per game this season, with his assists also rising from 3.3 to 5.1 per contest.
Rising Star and Steadfast Partner to an MVP
Williams has flourished as a versatile co-star on the Thunder, perfectly complementing Gilgeous-Alexander. Standing 6-foot-6, he has taken on tough defensive assignments, including guarding Indiana Pacers star power forward Pascal Siakam during the intense NBA Finals series. His offensive contributions have soared, highlighted by a playoff career-high 40 points in Game 5 of the Finals, helping position Oklahoma City one win away from capturing its first championship.
Together, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander have combined for 291 points through the first five games of the Finals. ESPN Research notes only a few duos have scored more through five games in NBA Finals history: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1993, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in 2017, and Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant in 2017. This company underscores the significance of Williams’ emergence on this big stage.
Scottie Pippen Recognizes Himself in Jalen Williams
Scottie Pippen, the six-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame inductee, sees many similarities between his career and Williams’ progression. Having thrived alongside Michael Jordan as a complementary star, Pippen has praised Williams for his rising status and potential.
“I’m enjoying watching him. I see a lot of me in him for sure. I see a guy rising to be one of the top players in this league. He’s definitely a player that is capable of being able to lead that franchise to multiple championships — him and Shai, of course.” —Scottie Pippen
Williams was born during the final years of Pippen’s career with the Portland Trail Blazers, yet he identifies with the legacy and appreciates the comparison.
“I feel like a new-age Scottie maybe,” Williams said. “I’m not mad at that one at all. I like that. And then obviously Shai gets a little Jordan comparison, so that’s cool. It’s very cool. Any time you compared to somebody like that, you’re doing something right.” —Jalen Williams
Building a Foundation for a Modern NBA Dynasty
Williams arrived in Oklahoma City as part of the Thunder’s plan to rebuild around young talent. General Manager Sam Presti saw in Williams a unique blend of length, ballhandling, and versatility—undeniably valuable in today’s pace-and-space NBA. Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized a methodical growth path for Williams, ensuring he earned opportunities through efficiency and impact rather than rushing him into the spotlight.
“When he started with us, and this has been our approach with most players, it’s not like we just hand them the ball,” Daigneault explained. “We put them in the system first, and the guys that are really efficient in the system, they end up banging the door down and show you that they need more. He was in that category.” —Mark Daigneault
Williams’ wingspan of 7-foot-2 has aided his defensive versatility, even allowing him to fill in as Oklahoma City’s starting center during times when key big men like Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein were sidelined. Yet his rapid development as a playmaker with the ball in his hands has been a key driver of the Thunder’s recent success.
Expanding Role and Increasing Offensive Leadership
In the intense context of the NBA Finals, Williams has stepped into more offensive responsibilities, notably serving as a point forward in Game 4 against the Pacers. This role eased some pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander while allowing Williams to showcase his multifaceted game, scoring 27 points and facilitating key plays during Oklahoma City’s comeback victory.
“Well, I grew up short,” Williams said. “So I’ve always been a point guard.” —Jalen Williams
Williams credits his time adapting to wing play in college as a pivotal adjustment during a phase of continued growth following multiple growth spurts, which shifted his natural position.
“I had all the guard skills,” he said. “Then when I grew, thank God they didn’t really go anywhere.” —Jalen Williams
Comparing Career Progression With Scottie Pippen
Pippen’s own path saw steady growth during his first five seasons, increasing his scoring and playmaking as the Chicago Bulls transformed into a dynasty. Though Williams’ accomplishments are not yet on par with Pippen’s illustrious résumé, the Hall of Famer believes Williams’ potential is even higher in today’s offensive-friendly NBA environment.
“I don’t even want to put a cap on him to say that he’s going to be me,” Pippen said. “I see him being greater, if I can say that. Just because of where the game is today. They have offensive freedom. We didn’t have that. We mostly ran out of a system. These guys have the freedom to shoot 3-balls and things of that nature. Players that are playing in today’s game have a chance to be better than players in the past because of the ability to shoot the ball.” —Scottie Pippen
“If this kid continues to shoot the 3-ball the way that he shoots it, I’m not going to sit here and argue with nobody and say that you can compare us. Because you can’t. He wins.” —Scottie Pippen
Pippen highlights Williams’ relentless drive, a chip on his shoulder that fuels continuous improvement.
“When guys go through journeys like that, watch out because the sky’s the limit,” Pippen said. “He is going to be a great player because he still feels unwanted. He’s still got that chip on his shoulder that, ‘They don’t know what they missed out on.’ It’s nothing you get rid of. It’s a part of you. It’s instilled in you for life. He’s making people think now that passed him up. In the future, you will see that he’ll continue to just get better. He’s going to always keep his knife sharp.” —Scottie Pippen
Thriving Within a Team-Centered Culture
Williams credits the Thunder’s collaborative environment for fostering his growth. Rather than focusing solely on personal stats, he prioritizes complementing Gilgeous-Alexander and embracing his role within the team’s system. This culture encourages role acceptance and unselfish play, enabling all players to develop collectively.
“It’s very easy when you have a team that likes to do their role,” Williams said. “And I’m not saying that guys can’t branch out, but just when everybody kind of accepts that role for the better of their team … I know mine. When you just have guys that are willing to do that, it allows everybody to grow and get better.”
“I’ve had that, and I think what I got good at was understanding how Shai likes to play and being able to patch my game into something that complements him a lot more and can take the load off of him. A lot of it is self-awareness and at the same time willingness. I don’t think everybody’s willing to sacrifice parts of their game to do that. And he does the same thing. He’ll sacrifice parts of his game to make the team better. He can come down and shoot every ball and I’d slap him on the butt and say, ‘Good shot.’ So for him to be able to trust us, too, goes a long way.” —Jalen Williams
Gilgeous-Alexander lauds Williams as a key component of the Thunder’s success, highlighting his consistency and adaptability.
“‘Dub’ has made tremendous strides,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He is one of the biggest reasons why we’re here. Him being able to shoulder what he does every night on both ends of the floor takes a lot of pressure off everyone else around him, including myself. He is a gamer. He is a winner. But he continues to get better in every situation. He is a Swiss Army knife, and he’s only getting better with every game he plays. I’m excited to see where he ends up.” —Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Learning from Past Thunder Teams’ Lessons
Although Oklahoma City previously reached the Finals in 2012 with a star-studded lineup featuring future MVPs Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, that team was unable to maintain sustained success. The dynamics of that roster differed significantly, as Harden sought a leading role and a maximum contract, ultimately departing the team. Durant and Westbrook found success but didn’t fully elevate each other’s games to their highest potential.
In contrast, Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams have demonstrated a unique synergy, each willing to adjust their roles for the benefit of the team—something Williams regards as essential for the Thunder’s current trajectory. Executives around the league anticipate contract extensions for Williams and Holmgren this offseason, recognizing their importance to the franchise’s future.
The Road Ahead for Jalen Williams and the Thunder
With Oklahoma City on the cusp of its first NBA championship, Jalen Williams’ emergence as a resilient and multifaceted star is a beacon of hope and excitement. His rapid ascent from an unheralded prospect to an All-Star and integral part of a championship contender showcases his determination and evolution.
Williams’ trajectory, marked by continuous improvement and a willingness to adapt alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, positions him not just as a significant player of his generation but potentially a cornerstone for the Thunder’s promising future. As the Finals progress, fans and analysts alike will watch eagerly to see how this young star continues to carve his legacy.