Jalen Williams put up quite the stat line on the fifth year death anniversary of Kobe and Gigi Bryant.
The significance of the day and the game made it extra special, but this is just one of the many solid performances Williams has been putting up this season. He’s been more adept in finding his spots while working off what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws from opposing defenses. Of course, Williams is also capable of creating his own offense even when defenders try to take him out of his spots.

Peers, fans, and fantasy managers alike have taken notice of his yearly strides so that naturally raises the question: Can Jalen Williams become an NBA All-Star this year?
Williams’ current numbers back it up as he is averaging career-highs across the board. His touches and shot attempts have gone up, and his efficiency has not been compromised. The 23-year old only missed one game thus far and he could very well match or even eclipse the 75 games he played in his rookie year. And for what it’s worth, Williams is a big reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the NBA right now even if his height has changed depending on the season.
Williams took advantage of the opportunities that opened up in his rookie year, validating the Thunder’s decision to select him with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. His efforts have made him an integral piece of OKC’s core, where he has served as a secondary option along with Chet Holmgren and at times can emerge as a top option when the need arose.
Holmgren’s prolonged absence due to a right iliac wing fracture has increased Williams’ reps this year, and even with his impending return, Williams can still produce considering how they complement one another. Holmgren can help Williams find openings, while Williams’ improved playmaking should be a boost for Holmgren, especially as he works his way back into shape.
Yet whether or not the Thunder are at full strength, we have to acknowledge that Williams’ game has matured. Part of it is the offseason work he puts in and his stint with the USA Select Team, where he is pitted against the best players and some emerging peers. Joining Team USA down the road is a possibility given his current body of work and an All-Star selection this season could solidify his case for such.
Overall, though, the Oklahoma City Thunder have not suffered despite missing their centers for much of the 2024-2025 season’s first half thanks to the efforts of Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the rest of the team (or at least, whoever has been healthy). Williams, in particular, has been a beacon of consistency in this campaign and as one of the best players on the best team in the league, an All-Star berth beckons.
