Jalen Williams, often referred to as “J-Dub,” is a rising star in the NBA, currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder
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. Born on April 14, 2001, in Denver, Colorado, Williams has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive skills and versatility on the court
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Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 211 pounds, Williams plays both small forward and shooting guard positions
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. His journey to the NBA began at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, where he grew from a 6-feet tall point guard to a 6’5″ forward by his senior year
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. During his senior year, he averaged over 25 points per game and was named the Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year
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Williams continued his basketball career at Santa Clara University, where he played for three seasons
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. He made an immediate impact, recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in his debut game against UC Santa Cruz
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. Over his college career, Williams consistently improved, leading his team in steals and earning first-team All-WCC honors in his final year
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In the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder
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. Since joining the NBA, he has quickly become a key player for the Thunder, known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and playmaking skills
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. In the 2024-25 season, Williams is averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game
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One of the most impressive aspects of Williams’ game is his versatility. At 6’5″, he has the ability to guard multiple positions on the court, making him a valuable asset for the Thunder
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. His defensive skills were on full display in a recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he helped lead the Thunder to a dominant victory by making the Cavs’ offense uncomfortable and forcing turnovers
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Williams’ contributions have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches
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. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star guard, has been vocal about Williams’ impact on the team, stating that he deserves to be an All-Star due to his consistent performance and ability to carry the team when needed
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As Williams continues to develop and grow as a player, the future looks bright for both him and the Oklahoma City Thunder. His dedication to improving his game and his ability to make an impact on both ends of the court make him a player to watch in the coming years.
For more information and highlights of Jalen Williams’ performances, you can check out this ESPN profile.
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en.wikipedia.org
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HoopsHype
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Athlon Sports
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ClutchPoints | MSN