He doesn't score 30 points per game like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's not a rookie sensation like Chet Holmgren. He's also not a particularly spectacular player. No, Jalen Williams doesn't make noise, doesn't shine brightly. He nevertheless remains an absolutely essential element of the Thunder.
The proof with his last match to date, in Denver, where his 24 points were very valuable to stay in the match. He took his responsibilities, keeping his people in the game.
“I think that when the coaches have confidence in me and tell me to play, I am able to free myself and do what I like to do on the field,” he explains to The Oklahoman. “Our team is so talented that everyone can score. For me, it's a question of balance: how do I involve others so that they stay warm? »
Simple, effective and fair
A very interesting rookie last season, Jalen Williams has moved up a notch this year, still in a discreet and effective style. He has progressed, where Josh Giddey, in addition to his extra-sporting concerns, has regressed, and he averages 17.5 points at 50% shooting success.
“If we tell a player to make the right choice, we can harm his aggressiveness; if we tell the player to be aggressive, we can harm his accuracy. Each player must find the balance between these two elements”analyzes Mark Daigneault.
This is the case for the former Santa Clara in the NCAA, who found his place between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. He knows how to move from the role of a good lieutenant, ready to give way to make them shine, to that of an important executive, capable of scoring almost 20 points to support the Canadian.
“He’s a player who makes the right choices,” remarks his coach. “That's what struck me about him, even when he was in college, he let the game dictate what he should do. We need him to be an important player, the head of the snake, and a creator for us. »
| Jalen Williams | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | OKAY | 75 | 30 | 52.1 | 35.6 | 81.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 14.1 |
| 2023-24 | OKAY | 21 | 32 | 50.0 | 35.6 | 88.3 | 0.4 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 17.5 |
| Total | 96 | 31 | 51.6 | 35.6 | 83.2 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 14.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
