Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams responded firmly to fans branding him as “corny,” addressing the criticism through an Instagram comment this week. Williams, 24, was asked by a user what he would say to those accusing him of being corny, to which he replied candidly.
Williams stated,
tbh the same people calling me corny couldn’t hold my water in real life,
followed by
prolly would ask for a selfie if we was face to face.
This defiant response highlights his refusal to be bothered by online judgments.
Recreating a Moment Linked to Kobe Bryant
Williams recently gained attention by recreating a famous 1999 photograph of Kobe Bryant at the free throw line. In his version, Williams posed with a cast on his right wrist and pajama bottoms, mirroring Bryant’s iconic image. This came after Williams underwent wrist surgery, connecting his recovery to the legendary NBA player’s image.
The label “corny” is often used to criticize NBA players who appear to use Bryant’s legacy for social media attention, with players like Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum also facing similar remarks in the past for referencing Bryant in their public personas.
Williams’ Rising Status Despite Criticism
Despite such criticisms, Williams has firmly established himself as a key figure in the NBA. The former lottery pick received several honors last season, including All-Star recognition, All-NBA, and All-Defensive selections. He also played an important role in leading the Thunder to an NBA championship, which resulted in lucrative contract extensions for him and other core players.
Though Williams often ranks behind teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in team prominence, he embraces attention-seeking moments without concern for the “corny” tag. His willingness to express himself in bold ways underscores his confidence in his place within the team and league.
What This Means for Williams Moving Forward
Jalen Williams’ response to critics reveals a player determined to stay true to himself despite negative opinions on social media. As he continues to develop alongside notable talents like Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, Williams’ mix of skill and personality keeps him in the spotlight. His defiant stance may deepen his connection with fans who appreciate authenticity over online judgment, while reminding detractors that his impact extends beyond internet labels.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened with Jalen Williams?
A. Jalen Williams, a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will have surgery on his right wrist due to a ligament tear. General Manager Sam Presti announced this on Monday, mentioning that Williams had played through the injury during the team’s journey in the championship.
Q. Why is Jalen Williams so good?
A. Williams has an incredible ability to score near the basket because he concentrates intensely. He takes layups with unexpected timing and angles, making it difficult for defenders to block his shots.