Jalen Williams to Miss Season Start with the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder star forward Jalen Williams will not be available for the season opener against the Houston Rockets due to recovery from surgery on his right wrist performed in the preseason. The Thunder’s coach, Mark Daigneault, has maintained a cautious stance on Williams’ return time, indicating that his progress is steady and as expected. Williams, who was selected for the All-NBA third team and the All-Defensive second team last season, suffered a scaphoid ligament injury in his wrist on April 9. He decided to postpone surgery until after Oklahoma City’s successful campaign. During the playoffs, Williams required almost 30 injections to relieve pain in his wrist, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. His most outstanding performance was a 40-point performance in the crucial Game 5 victory of the NBA Finals.Williams, who signed a maximum extension of his rookie contract with salary increases this summer, acknowledged that he knew he might not be ready for the start of the season when he underwent surgery in early July. He didn’t start throwing with his right hand until this month. The player preferred not to give a specific date for his return.It was a necessary evil to win. I would have preferred to cut off my hand to win the championship.
Jalen Williams
When I feel like I can be one hundred percent, I will return to the court. Part of the process is to recover my jump shot. It’s about getting the feel back.
Jalen Williams
