Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jalen Williams

How Jalen Williams built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jalen Devonn Williams, "J-Dub", is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. After three seasons at Santa Clara, he entered the 2022 NBA draft and was selected 12th overall by the Thunder. In 2025, Williams earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection and All-NBA Team honors, culminating in an NBA championship the same year.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1955: Ken Sears Drafted

In 1955, Ken Sears was drafted, marking him as the highest drafted Bronco prospect in Santa Clara history, with Jalen Williams being second-highest.

1995: Shaquille O'Neal's Streak

In 2025, Jalen Williams became the first player under the age of 25 to record at least 25 points and five rebounds in three consecutive NBA Finals games, since Shaquille O'Neal in 1995.

1996: Steve Nash Drafted

In 1996, Steve Nash was drafted, marking the last time a Santa Clara player was drafted before Jalen Williams in 2022.

2013: Thunder's Last First Seed

In 2024, Jalen Williams helped lead the Thunder to their first Western Conference first seed since 2013, marking his first playoff appearance.

November 5, 2019: Santa Clara Debut

On November 5, 2019, Jalen Williams debuted for Santa Clara, recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals against UC Santa Cruz.

2019: Acquired Pick in Paul George Trade

In 2019, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired the pick that they used to draft Jalen Williams, in the Paul George trade with the Clippers.

November 30, 2021: Career-High 30 Points Against Hawaii

On November 30, 2021, Jalen Williams scored a career-high 30 points against Hawaii, also adding four rebounds and four assists.

2021: First Career Double-Double

During the 2021 WCC tournament's opening round, Jalen Williams achieved his first career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Pepperdine.

January 27, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against BYU

On January 27, 2022, Jalen Williams hit a game-winning shot against BYU, finishing the game with 26 points.

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game

On March 15, 2022, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game in the 2022 NIT, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists against Washington State.

March 31, 2022: Declares for NBA Draft

On March 31, 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.

October 19, 2022: NBA Debut and Injury

On October 19, 2022, Jalen Williams made his NBA debut, scoring 5 points in 6 minutes before suffering a right orbital bone fracture.

November 30, 2022: Rallies Thunder Against Spurs

On November 30, 2022, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Jalen Williams scored 27 points and helped the Thunder rally from a 20-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: NBA Draft

In 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the NBA draft, subsequently being selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2022: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2022, Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA draft.

January 31, 2023: Named to Rising Stars Challenge

On January 31, 2023, Jalen Williams was selected to the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge after demonstrating an average of 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals over 46 games.

December 27, 2023: Career-High 36 Points

On December 27, 2023, Jalen Williams scored a career-high 36 points in a 129–120 victory over the New York Knicks.

2023: Selected to USA Basketball Men's Select Team

In 2023, Jalen Williams was selected to the 2023 USA Basketball Men's Select team alongside Thunder teammate Chet Holmgren in preparation for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

January 23, 2024: Game-Winning Shot Against Trail Blazers

On January 23, 2024, Jalen Williams scored 19 points and made a game-winning jump shot in a 111–109 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers.

April 21, 2024: Playoff Debut

On April 21, 2024, Jalen Williams made his playoff debut, recording 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a 94–92 Game 1 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 30, 2025: Named All-Star Reserve

On January 30, 2025, Jalen Williams was named as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star selection.

July 13, 2025: Signs Contract Extension

On July 13, 2025, Jalen Williams signed a five-year contract extension that could be worth $287 million with the Thunder.

2025: Playoff Career High and Championship

During Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Jalen Williams scored a new playoff career-high 40 points and Oklahoma City won the series 4-3. After the playoffs, Williams revealed he played with about 30 painkilling injections in his injured right wrist and would undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in the same wrist.