Jaylin Williams Proving to be Draft Gem for OKC Thunder
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Oklahoma City selected four players in the 2022 NBA Draft, three of which came in the top 12. Second overall pick Chet Holmgren was a frequent topic of conversation after draft night, with fellow lottery picks Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams each getting a decent amount of buzz as well.
The fourth player of the group, 34th overall pick Jaylin Williams, did not enter the season with the same expectations from fans and media as his rookie counterparts. The Arkansas product wasn't viewed as a skilled draft sleeper like Jalen Williams, or a young, developmental prospect like Dieng.
Jaylin Williams was relegated to the G League early in the season, where he averaged 14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 12 games with the Blue. Injuries to Aleksej Pokusevski and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, however, opened up playing time for the 20-year-old big man.
Williams slowly proved that he deserved time on the court, working his way into the starting lineup 28 times so far this season. Even with Robinson-Earl back from injury, Williams has earned more minutes on the floor than the second-year man from Villanova due to his versatility and surprising success from 3-point range.
Since becoming a frequent member of the rotation, the 6-foot-10 forward has showcased impressive passing and defensive ability. While he is averaging only six points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, Williams has made a huge impact for the Thunder.
In recent drafts, Sam Presti has seemingly had his eye out for players who are versatile, filling more than one role and impacting the game in a variety of ways. Aleksej Pokusevski, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng are all prime examples of this.
"J-Will" has proven that he fits this mold with his ability to pass out of the high post, shoot from deep and play defense on a number of different players.
While Williams may not be the best perimeter defender on the team, he is technically sound and athletic enough to switch or battle down low with another big body. Additionally, his effort and willingness on defense have led to the rookie taking the most charges in the NBA this season.
On offense, the Fort Smith, Arkansas, native is shooting over 42% from beyond the arc, a massive improvement from 23.9% in his final season with the Razorbacks. Likely the most niche skill that Williams' possesses, however, is his passing ability in the high post.
Even though he doesn't tally many assists, the 6-foot-10 forward touches the ball on many of OKC's possessions in the half court, often taking it at the elbow or the top of the key similar to Draymond Green. The OKC big man has been a good decision maker with the ball in his hands and is great at finding cutters on their way to the basket.
While this may seem like a common trait, it is something that draft evaluators are constantly searching for. Early in the season, Kevin O'Connor and J. Kyle Mann spoke about the value and importance of big men who can pass on their podcast, "The Ringer's NBA Draft Show", mentioning the likes of Domantas Sabonis and Nikola Jokic while also discussing players in the 2023 draft class who possess this skill.
While other teams continue to look for prospects that can fill a similar role, the Thunder found one in the second round of last year's draft. Even from inside the paint, Williams passing acumen helps Oklahoma City's offense remain smooth and fluid.
J-Will's most impressive performance this season came against the Los Angeles Lakers, when the 20-year-old recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals while shooting 4-of-6 from the field, 2-of-2 from beyond the arc and 4-for-4 at the free throw line. The Arkansas product scored a career-high 15 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors a month later.
With Holmgren set to return next year, it will be intriguing to see how the two versatile big men coexist and how Mark Daigneault utilizes both of their uncommon talents. As for the 2022-23 season, Williams has already out-performed his draft position and become a vital part of the team's recent success.
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