Jalen Williams Returns to Action with the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder All-NBA guard Jalen Williams is set to make his season debut against the Phoenix Suns this Friday night.
Williams has recovered from surgery on his right wrist performed in July, followed by a procedure to remove a screw on October 31. This occurred after playing with a torn ligament last season.
The Thunder have had a dominant start to the season, with an 18-1 record, and the best point differential in the first 19 games in NBA history, with a +16.5. Oklahoma City is only the fifth team in league history to start a season with an 18-1 record.
Last season, Williams established himself as one of the best players in the NBA, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He was one of two players selected for both the All-NBA and All-Defense teams.
Williams also led the NBA in points allowed per direct isolation and ranked in the top five in points allowed per direct penetration. He was one of four players with 1,400 points, 300 rebounds, 300 assists, and 100 steals last season.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combined for 1,180 points in the 2025 playoffs, the fourth-most by a duo in a single postseason in NBA history.
The Thunder will be patient and cautious when reintegrating Williams, having previous experience with the long absence of star center Chet Holmgren last season.
In the absence of Williams, the Thunder have received production from Ajay Mitchell and others, with the second-year guard averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals. Isaiah Joe has also contributed, averaging 13.2 points, a career-high, while shooting 40.2% from three-point range on over seven attempts per game.
Williams missed the first 19 games of the season and is not eligible for postseason honors, meaning he is no longer in line for the $287 million super-max contract bonus on his five-year, $239 million extension.
