The Oklahoma City Thunder secured an unforgettable NBA title after a hard-fought Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, overcoming the loss of star guard Tyrese Haliburton during the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned Finals MVP honors, capped off an extraordinary season alongside teammate Jalen Williams, who has quickly risen as an essential part of the team’s success. However, following their victory, the NBA faced criticism for the subpar quality of the “Champions” hats issued to the players, a detail that left fans and some players feeling shortchanged.
NBA Fans and Players Disappointed by Poor Quality Championship Hat
Despite the Thunder’s historic championship win, the NBA’s handling of celebrations drew significant backlash, particularly over the champions‘ hats worn by players on the court after the final buzzer. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sported the hat during a post-game interview, revealing defects in craftsmanship that quickly caught widespread attention. The hat appeared stiff, made from visibly cheap materials, with misaligned stitching and loose threads, undermining what should have been a proud memento of an NBA title.
The hat’s flaws did not go unnoticed beyond the fanbase. O’Shea Jackson Jr., son of Big 3 league founder Ice Cube, publicly criticized the hat’s poor construction on social media, highlighting its cheapness and lack of attention to detail. Sharing his disappointment, Jackson Jr.’s comments reflected a growing dissatisfaction with how the league celebrated its champions this year, especially given the historic significance of Oklahoma City’s win.
Jalen Williams, himself a standout star for the Thunder, expressed his frustration clearly on his Instagram stories, signaling disapproval of the substandard hats. This reaction added fuel to the argument that the NBA had botched an essential part of the championship celebrations, leaving players feeling undervalued despite their monumental achievement.
Jalen Williams Emerges as a Critical Force Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jalen “JDub” Williams has proven to be an invaluable counterpart to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the team as Finals MVP. Williams excelled with his remarkable defensive versatility, capable of guarding every position on the floor, and his patient offensive game. His 40-point performance in Game 5 was pivotal in clinching the series, especially on a night when Gilgeous-Alexander was less dominant.
The Thunder’s management is expected to focus on retaining this dynamic duo, as their combination of two-way talent and youthfulness is rare. Much like the partnerships of Jaylen Brown with Jayson Tatum in Boston, the Thunder’s young core could be the foundation for a prolonged championship window.
While Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a Finals scoring average of 30 points per game and served as the team’s primary playmaker, Williams’s impact was equally significant. His ability to rise to the occasion during critical moments provided the Thunder with the depth and balance needed to overcome the Pacers.
A Promising Future for the Youngest Championship Team in Decades
The Thunder’s postseason record of 16-7 did not quite match their outstanding 68-14 regular-season performance, yet their youth and resilience make their title win even more impressive. With numerous future draft picks and emerging talents like Nikola Topic yet to see NBA playing time, Oklahoma City appears to be crafting a sustainable dynasty.
Their championship run is not just a triumph of talent but a testament to the team’s potential for sustained success. However, criticisms like those from Jalen Williams on the shoddy champions’ hats highlight ongoing frustrations with the league’s management of this milestone, which could become a rallying point for players seeking greater appreciation in the future.
“The hat looks cheap and poorly made with glaringly bad stitching, which is unacceptable for a championship celebration.”
—O’Shea Jackson Jr., Big 3 League Founder’s Son
“The quality of the hats is really disappointing, especially after everything we accomplished.”
—Jalen Williams, OKC Thunder Player