When the Thunder’s game in the Salt Lake City Summer League tipped off Wednesday evening, I admit I had a bad attitude.
I was down.
A little grumpy, even.
The reason: Jalen Williams was sitting behind the Thunder bench in street clothes.
Sigh.
The second-year forward from Santa Clara was taking the night off after playing in Monday’s opener, and even though the official reason was a left glut contusion, I suspect he might’ve sat out regardless. He played a lot of minutes during his rookie season. He’s expected to play even more this next season. Oklahoma City doesn’t need Williams to play a bunch in summer league.
The fact that the guy who finished second in rookie-of-the-year voting is even playing at all is pretty cool.
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But still, if J-Dub is in the building, I’d love to see him on the floor.
Especially after the way he played Monday in the Thunder’s summer-league opener.
He gave notice that his sophomore campaign could be something special.
Williams scored 21 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished two assists and blocked one shot while spending a decent amount of time guarding Ochai Agbaji, the best player on the Jazz’s summer league roster.
As impressive as Williams’ stats were, his demeanor was every bit as noteworthy. He played with great confidence. Swagger, even.
Midway through the second quarter, he splashed a 3-pointer, capping an 18-8 run, pushing the Thunder’s lead to two touchdowns and forcing the Jazz to take a timeout. As Williams headed to the bench, he raised his arms and flexed his muscles.
He was the best player on the floor – and he knew it.
Yes, this is summer league. No All-Stars or superstars or veterans of any kind. No Embiid or Jokic. No Giannis or Tatum. Everything should be easier in summer league for supremely talented youngsters like Williams.
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We saw it last year when Josh Giddey played a few games with the Thunder during summer league. I’m guessing we’ll see it next week when rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama joins the Spurs in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Still, that shouldn’t diminish excitement about Williams.
He said after the game Monday during an on-court interview with NBATV that he’s spending the offseason in Oklahoma City. I’m guessing he took some time right after last season was over to visit family, maybe take a little vacation, but Williams is clearly seeing dividends from his work with the Thunder.
“I was able to work on my body and watch a lot of film,” he said. “See what I can improve on.”
Williams looks stronger than a year ago. Broader of shoulder. Stouter of leg. He weighed 209 pounds when he was drafted, and now, the Thunder’s summer league roster lists him at 218 pounds.
I’d venture he might weigh even a bit more than that.
Or maybe his new hairstyle makes him look that way.
Gone is the thick, floppy afro, replaced by cornrows tight to his head. Perhaps less hair volume makes his physique look even bigger?
Or maybe it’s his game that makes him look that way.
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From the jump Monday night, Williams seemed big. He made a strong drive to the basket on the game’s first possession and scored. Then on the next Thunder possession, he drained a three from the top of the key.
There were more highlights.
Late in the first quarter, Williams bodied up a smaller, quicker Agbaji, staying with the Jazz guard as he drove to the basket, then affecting a shot that would miss at the rim.
A couple of possessions later, Williams watched as Jazz forward Luka Samanic backed down a Thunder defender. Then Williams hustled over from the weak side to block Samanic’s shot.
Williams’ most highlight-worthy play might have been a third-quarter assist. He started dribbling toward the lane, and a Jazz defender backpedaled a bit to stay with him. Once the defender was in motion, Williams bounced the ball backward to a waiting teammate, then provided enough of a screen to give time for a 3-point attempt.
It splashed home.
There have been lots of good moments for the Thunder already during summer league. Chet Holmgren’s return from injury. Tre Mann’s dynamic offense. Ousmane Dieng’s bounceback on Wednesday.
But the most exciting thing has been something I was already excited about: seeing what Jalen Williams does next.
Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at 405-475-4125 or [email protected]. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Jalen Williams serves notice second NBA season may be big
