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, known as J-Dub, is a professional basketball player in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played college basketball at Santa Clara for three seasons before being drafted 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2022 NBA draft. In 2025, Williams earned his first NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team selections and won an NBA championship the same year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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.

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

On November 30, 2021, Jalen Williams registered a career-high 30 points with four rebounds and four assists against Hawaii.

2021: First Career Double-Double

In 2021, during the opening round of the WCC tournament, Jalen Williams recorded 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 while finishing with 26 points.

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game

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

March 31, 2022: Declared for 2022 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: 27 Points Against San Antonio Spurs

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

2022: Declared for NBA Draft

In 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the NBA draft after playing three seasons of college basketball for the Santa Clara Broncos.

2022: Drafted 12th Overall by Oklahoma City Thunder

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

December 27, 2023: Career-High 36 Points

On December 27, 2023, Jalen Williams scored a career-high 36 points in a 129–120 win 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.

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

On January 23, 2024, Jalen Williams put up 19 points alongside a game-winning jump shot in a 111–109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

April 21, 2024: Playoff Debut

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

July 13, 2025: Five-Year Contract Extension with the Thunder

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

2025: NBA Championship

In 2025, Jalen Williams contributed 20 points in Game 7 of the NBA Finals as Oklahoma City won the series 4-3, securing the NBA Championship. He also played through the playoffs with painkilling injections in his injured wrist.