Quick Read
- Jalen Williams returned to the Thunder after missing 19 games with a wrist injury.
- His absence makes him ineligible for All-NBA honors, impacting his contract.
- The Thunder have the NBA’s best record at 20–1 and are chasing history.
- Oklahoma City is projected to have four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, three likely in the lottery.
- Williams was acquired as part of the Paul George trade in 2019.
Jalen Williams: The Comeback That Ignites a Championship Run
On a brisk December evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand atop the NBA with a staggering 20–1 record. The defending champions aren’t just winning—they’re dominating, evoking memories of the 2016 Warriors’ legendary 73–9 campaign. Yet, for Thunder fans and basketball insiders, the story behind this surge isn’t only about wins. It’s about the return of Jalen Williams, arguably the team’s second most valuable player, whose comeback from injury could be the spark that propels the Thunder into the record books.
Williams Returns, but at a Cost
Jalen Williams missed 19 games due to a wrist injury, a stretch that not only challenged Oklahoma City’s depth but also altered Williams’s season trajectory. The NBA’s rules mean he won’t be eligible for All-NBA honors, a technicality that will keep his contract from jumping by $9 million annually. For Williams, it’s a tough break—his impact on the court isn’t always reflected in award ballots or pay bumps. For the Thunder, it’s a bittersweet win: their star is back, but at a discount, highlighting how unpredictable the league’s business side can be.
As Williams steps back into the rotation, the Thunder’s chemistry—anchored by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—looks as potent as ever. Williams’s two-way prowess gives Oklahoma City a dynamic edge, especially in tight games. His ability to create opportunities, defend with intensity, and complement Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring makes him indispensable. In a season where every win counts, Williams’s return feels like a well-timed gust of wind at the Thunder’s back.
Thunder’s Embarrassment of Riches: The Draft War Chest
It’s not just the present that’s bright in Oklahoma City; the future might be even more dazzling. The Thunder are poised to enter the 2025 NBA Draft with four first-round picks, three of which are projected to be lottery selections. As one Eastern Conference executive told Front Office Sports, «This is the year to have a lottery pick. The whole lottery is stacked.»
These picks stem from a series of shrewd trades orchestrated by Sam Presti, Oklahoma City’s longtime general manager. The biggest payoff is the Clippers’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick, a lingering echo from the 2019 Paul George trade. Not only did the Thunder receive Gilgeous-Alexander and five first-rounders in that deal, but Williams himself was one of the assets acquired. The Clippers, struggling at 5–16, are projected to deliver a top-five pick to Oklahoma City, further fueling the Thunder’s rebuild-within-success strategy.
Beyond the Clippers’ pick, the Thunder hold a top-eight protected pick from the Jazz (from the Derrick Favors trade) and a top-four protected pick from the Sixers (from the Al Horford deal, which was deferred when the Sixers won the lottery in 2025). Both picks are set to convey, giving Oklahoma City a rare shot at stacking young talent while competing for championships. Add in the Rockets’ 2026 first-round pick—likely to convey thanks to Houston’s strong start—and the Thunder have a draft arsenal that most teams can only dream of. The Wizards, meanwhile, are set to receive the worst of these picks, which could land at No. 30 if the Thunder remain at the top.
Sam Presti’s Champagne Problem
For Sam Presti, the architect behind this abundance, the dilemma is almost luxurious: hold onto all these picks and deepen the roster, or package some for a blockbuster trade to fortify the team for another title run? It’s the kind of problem most general managers would envy, but one that requires careful navigation in a league where fortunes can shift overnight.
The Thunder’s draft capital ensures their flexibility, allowing them to respond swiftly to opportunities or setbacks. With Williams healthy and the team rolling, Oklahoma City can afford to be patient—or bold. The next few months could see Presti making moves that define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
The Human Side: Williams’s Journey and Thunder’s Unity
Beyond the stats and projections, there’s a human story at play. Williams’s return isn’t just about numbers or contract clauses; it’s about resilience. Missing nearly a quarter of the season, he watched his teammates hold the line, trusting in the system and each other. Now, back on the floor, Williams is both a beneficiary and a contributor to the culture that Presti and coach Mark Daigneault have built—a culture where teamwork and adaptability are prized as much as individual talent.
In the locker room, Williams’s presence is felt. Teammates speak of his quiet leadership and willingness to do the dirty work—making the extra pass, contesting shots, fighting for rebounds. For Thunder fans, his return is a reminder that success isn’t just about stars but about the constellation they form together.
Looking Ahead: Records, Rings, and Rebuilding
As the Thunder chase the Warriors’ historic win total, each game takes on added weight. Can Williams help push Oklahoma City to a place in NBA lore? Will Presti strike while the iron is hot, or will patience yield a dynasty built on homegrown talent?
Whatever happens, the Thunder’s journey is a case study in modern NBA strategy—balancing immediate success with long-term planning, navigating the twists of player health, and making the most of every asset. For Williams, the 2025 season is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports, where a single injury can reshape careers and team fortunes, but where resilience and smart management can turn setbacks into opportunities.
In 2025, Jalen Williams’s return is more than just a stat line; it’s a pivotal chapter in the Thunder’s quest for greatness. His comeback, paired with Oklahoma City’s draft fortune, positions the team at the intersection of history and possibility—proof that in the NBA, the brightest futures are built on both talent and tenacity.
