Latest news with #JalenWilliams
Yahoo
12 hours ago
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Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade
The post Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Jalen Williams hype train is not slowing down anytime soon. What a year he had. He surged into a role and took the league by storm. Paired alongside the league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams was able to hit career highs in almost every category and win an NBA Championship in his third season. Advertisement Williams' numbers increased a ton. From 2024 to 2025, his points per game increased from 19.1 to 21.6, assists from 4.5 to 5.1, rebounds from 4.0 to 5.3, and steals from 1.1 to 1.6. His field goal percentage decreased a tad, but he attempted more shots per game. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Williams scored 40 points on 56% shooting in a masterclass performance. The former first-round pick played a crucial role with the Thunder this season and will likely be remembered forever already as one of the best players to put on a Thunder uniform. During the championship parade on Tuesday, Williams had an emotional message to the fans. 'None of this is possible without you guys. You guys have been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you guys. We love you guys.' Advertisement Williams has just one year left on his contract. He is due for a major payday at the right time. Both Williams and Chet Holmgren are in line for major contract extensions. 'Holmgren and Williams are eligible to sign up to a five-year, $247 million extension. The total value could increase to $296 million if MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year escalator clauses are included,' ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote. 'The increase in salary will only occur if either player reaches one of the three criteria for the 2025-26 season.' Williams was an All-NBA Second Teamer this past season, so he could reach up to $296 million. His incredible rise to fame is only going to get better once he gets the payday he deserves. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
Yahoo
12 hours ago
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Rumor: Thunder's NBA Draft trade plans with 24th pick
The post Rumor: Thunder's NBA Draft trade plans with 24th pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the persistent Indiana Pacers — who fought valiantly after Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals — and claimed the team's first championship on Sunday night. Advertisement OKC faced plenty of adversity en route to the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but with MVP/Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and magnificent team defense leading the way, this squad capped off the most amazing year the fan base has ever experienced. And if the Thunder continue to play their cards correctly, this may only be the beginning. They boast a young core and an abundance of future assets, which elite general manager Sam Presti can use to potentially cement OKC as the sport's next dynasty. The 2025 Executive of the Year does not have much time to pat himself on the back, though, with the NBA Draft set to begin this Wednesday. The organization currently owns the No. 15, No. 24 and No. 44 selections, but since its roster is already quite bloated, fans should not expect to see Presti snag a prospect who will contribute right away. He will likely be ready to do business at some point during the proceedings. The No. 24 pick could be on the move. Advertisement 'Nobody around the league expects the Thunder to make two selections in this year's draft,' ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel writes. 'Presti is always pulling the trigger on deals during the NBA Draft, and we should expect nothing different when it comes to Oklahoma City with the 24th and 44th picks. 'That is why the expectation is that the Thunder will either trade this pick or use it for a draft-and-stash option.' What do the Thunder have planned at NBA Draft? This front office has a sharp eye for talent — they grabbed future All-Star Jalen Williams at No. 12, traded down to take rising talent Cason Wallace and signed All-Defensive First-Team selection Luguentz Dort as an undrafted free agent — but there is little room for newcomers at the moment. Advertisement The Thunder will have to keep the big picture in mind, which will presumably result in them completing at least one draft-night deal. Sam Presti could still identify a long-term difference-maker at No. 15, though. And if he does, there is a distinct possibility that the rest of the league will put him on trial for practicing black magic. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams will 'stick to Shirley Temples' after NBA Championship win Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren in line for $247 million contract extensions
Yahoo
12 hours ago
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Thunder's Jalen Williams ‘feeling loose' at parade after viral ‘Shirley Temples' comment
The post Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their NBA Finals win on Tuesday with a parade. Players and coaches alike were spotted having a good time together and with the fans. Forward Jalen Williams claimed that he was even feeling good after some drinks, despite claiming he was going to originally stick to drinking Shirley Temples. Advertisement In Williams' original statement about drinking alcohol in celebration of the title win, the 24-year-old forward did admit that he was planning on drinking during the parade. It appears he was true to his word. 'I told them at the beginning of the year, 'If we win a championship, I'll drink.' … I had a couple of shots, champagne, had beer. It was all disgusting. I'm gonna stick to Shirley Temples… I can't speak on the parade, though.' After the parade was over, Jalen Williams was spotted holding a box of Don Julio Tequila and a bottle of Moet champagne. He was heard saying that he's 'feeling good' and 'feeling loose.' Jalen Williams and the Thunder more than deserve the celebration. They entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and owned the top regular-season record in the NBA (68-14). After a hard-fought journey, Oklahoma City took home the championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Advertisement The one-time All-Star proved to be a fantastic second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He emerged as a go-to scoring option for the Thunder, especially in the postseason, which saw him average 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the floor and 30.4% from beyond the three-point line. He also helped defensively, averaging 1.4 steals per contest through 23 total games played in the playoffs. It's nice to see the team having fun during the parade. Especially considering how calm the players were immediately after the Thunder won the championship. But this is a team that likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon, as this is a young roster stacked with a ton of talent. Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook Related: Isaiah Hartenstein reveals hilarious story of Thunder's free agency recruitment
Yahoo
a day ago
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Eclipses Michael Jordan And LeBron James In Game 5 Win Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Eclipses Michael Jordan And LeBron James In Game 5 Win Against Pacers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander quietly wrote his name in NBA history books while Jalen Williams stole the spotlight in the Thunder's Game 5 win against the Pacers. Gilgeous Alexander had 31 points, and Jalen Williams had 40 points as the Thunder beat the Pacers 120-109. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander also had 10 assists and 4 blocks to go with his 31 points as he stuffed the stat sheet. With this performance, he now has 12 games in this Playoff run where he scored 30 points and had at least 5 assists, which is the most by any player in NBA history. He beat LeBron James and Michael Jordan, who were tied for the record at 11, and now single-handedly holds this record in the NBA history books. In terms of pure scoring, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found himself among elite company once again. He also became one of only four NBA players to ever have 15 or more 30-point games in a single postseason run. The other three players on that list are Kobe Bryant (2009), Hakeem Olajuwon (1995), and Michael Jordan (1992). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 32.4 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 5 games played in this series so far. He is widely considered the favorite to win the Finals MVP Award if the Thunder win the championship. What Does This Mean For The OKC Thunder? The Thunder are now one win away from an NBA championship. If they do manage to win this series (which seems very likely now), Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams will probably go down as the best duo in OKC history, even surpassing Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Advertisement While in terms of individual achievements, Williams is nowhere close to either Durant or Westbrook, but his duo with Gilgeous-Alexander will have more respect from fans than Durant and Westbrook did during their time. Especially since they never won an NBA championship together. Paul Pierce went as far as to claim that Gilgeous-Alexander will receive a statue outside the Thunder's arena if he gets them this championship. 'A championship for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not only make him the greatest Thunder, it ensures his statue at the tender age of 26,' Paul Pierce said. 'If you were to leave Oklahoma City after this year, best believe they don't put a statue of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for giving OKC their first NBA championship in franchise history, which I believe will happen. He's been unstoppable in these playoffs; he's had an unbelievable run.' In my opinion, this run definitely warrants induction into their own Hall of Fame and retirement of his jersey number eventually. But it would be a stretch to say he will get a statue if he wins a championship. Advertisement Related: NBA Fans Torch Tyrese Haliburton As Jalen Williams And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Lead Thunder In Game 5 Win This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The NBA's Parody Intentions May Be Thunderstruck
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder ... More celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Oklahoma City Thunder became the seventh different NBA champion in the last seven years. There are now nine teams that have lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in Adam Silver's 12 years as the league's commissioner. In his predecessor, David Stern's, 30 years in that role, there were only eight franchises to reach the NBA's mountaintop. The Association has become geared towards parody. Helping enforce that is a more punitive collecting bargaining agreement. However, if one organization stands defiantly in the way, rekindling the days of dynasties, the team to bet on is Oklahoma City. The Thunder reached the championship summit early. League and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. His co-stars, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, are 23 and 22 respectively. While they had two 30-year-olds on their roster, Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, no one else was older than 26. They also have a treasure chest of draft picks at their disposal. That draft capital included picks 15 and 24 in this year's first round. They utilized the former to add Thomas Sorber. Capable of playing at power forward and center, the six-foot-nine former Georgetown Hoya has a pterodactyl-like seven-foot-six wingspan. It's not uncommon to see players bounce off him before they get their shot blocked. Sorber also has a high-revving motor and an impressive feel for the game. Oklahoma City traded pick No. 24 to the Sacramento Kings, who selected Nique Clifford, a guard from Colorado State. Here are the details of what the Thunder received. There are also already players on the recently crowned champions' roster who are waiting in the wings to become contributors. Nikola Topic, 19, was a well-regarded prospect and the 12th pick in last year's draft. He spent this season recovering from a torn ACL. However, the six-foot-six guard is a dynamic talent. He also possesses a feel for the game that will enable him to join this title team's rotation immediately. Ousmane Dieng, 22, who Oklahoma City moved up to select one spot before taking Jalen Williams in 2022, could also go from developing in the background to the extended rotation. The six-foot-10 Dieng is capable of contributing at the four and the five. The Thunder's future financially Perhaps this is a team that will rule the NBA for the next three to five years before falling back to the pack. That's still an impressive outcome, especially in an era where title teams are struggling to advance beyond the second round the following season. Maybe Oklahoma City doesn't evolve into a dynasty. In either scenario, look to the finances. Williams and Holmgren, members of the same draft class, are in line for five-year extensions worth an estimated $247 million. Those would take effect in 2026-27. Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax extension will start in 2027-28. He could be on the books for $65.5 million per year. His top two running mates could have an average annual value of $46 million. That's $157.5 million for three players in a campaign where a rough projection is the second apron is around $230 million. While there is the possibility of players taking discounts, what it speaks to more is the importance of Williams and Holmgren elevating their play. The former dropped 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. As Williams' second playoff trip progressed, his scoring and facilitating matured. Holmgren was outstanding defensively in the playoffs, including against the Indiana Pacers. It's still paramount both are just scratching the surface when it comes to converting their potential into production. Team options, including for Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort, create a path to shedding salary and retaining players. The latter also applies to deals that start with a club option getting declined before signing a multi-year pact at a reasonable rate. Still, the Thunder will need young players, like Cason Wallace, and who at least some of their future picks turn into, to provide the necessary impact to offset future departures, which could include Dort, while keeping the team at the forefront of championship contention. The failure to execute on that front could quickly undermine Oklahoma City's hopes for a dynasty. A potential loss the Thunder might not recover from Injuries are a caveat of concern. That's understood, especially after seeing Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard tear their Achilles this postseason. But what if the franchise loses its architect? On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated mentioned the idea of one of the expansion franchises, expected to join the NBA soon, trying to lure executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti from Oklahoma City. "Let's just assume Vegas and Seattle [are the expansion teams]; everyone believes that's how it's going to play out," said Mannix. "If you're the new Sonics, what's Sam Presti worth?" "A piece of the team," Simmons quickly answered. Maybe Presti doesn't want to leave the Thunder. An offer like that could also provide the leverage that leads to him gaining equity in the organization he has helped build. However, if he left, that would be more concerning than the roster-building restrictions of the league's collective bargaining agreement. While that's an unsettling thought for Thunder fans, it may never come to fruition. The same is true for the other potential obstacles that could stand in the way of them ushering in a dynasty. From a youthful roster that has already reached championship heights to a treasure chest of draft picks and a brilliant architect, they have the tools at their disposal and the people in place to provide plenty of company for the banner they will raise on opening night next year.
