Jalen Williams: The Rising Star of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams has quickly become a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially during the 2025 NBA Finals. His performance has drawn comparisons to NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, known for his pivotal role alongside Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls' dynasty.

A Star in the Making

Williams, who was the No. 12 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown remarkable growth. His ability to adapt and excel in various roles has been crucial for the Thunder. In the 2025 NBA Finals, Williams averaged 31.0 points over the last three games, including a career-high 40 points in Game 5.

Drawing Comparisons to Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen himself has acknowledged the similarities between his career trajectory and Williams'. Both players started as under-the-radar prospects who blossomed into key contributors for their teams. Pippen noted, "I see a lot of me in him for sure. He's definitely a player capable of leading that franchise to multiple championships."

The Dynamic Duo: Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander

Williams' partnership with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in the Thunder's success. Their combined 291 points in the Finals place them among elite duos in NBA history. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Williams, saying, "He is one of the biggest reasons why we're here. He is a gamer, a winner, and he continues to get better."

Future Prospects

With his continuous improvement and versatility, Williams is poised to become one of the league's top players. His ability to score, defend, and facilitate makes him a Swiss Army knife on the court. As Pippen aptly put it, "He is going to be a great player because he still feels unwanted. He's making people think now that passed him up."

Williams' journey is a testament to hard work and determination, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are reaping the benefits of his stellar performances.