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 an American professional basketball player currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA). He played college basketball at Santa Clara for three seasons before being drafted 12th overall by the Thunder in 2022. In 2025, Williams earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection and All-NBA Team honors, culminating in an NBA championship the same year. He is a rising star in the NBA known for his versatile skill set and impact on the court.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1955: Ken Sears Drafted

In 1955, Ken Sears was drafted. He is the highest drafted Bronco prospect in Santa Clara history.

1996: Last Santa Clara Player Drafted Before Williams

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 Western Conference First Seed

In 2013, prior to the 2024 season, was the last time the Thunder were the Western Conference first seed.

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: Clippers Acquired Pick for Paul George Trade

In 2019, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired the pick that would later be used to draft Jalen Williams from the Clippers in the Paul George trade.

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, finishing with 26 points.

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game

On March 15, 2022, in the 2022 NIT, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game, 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 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 rally the Thunder from a 20-point second-half deficit against the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: Drafted 12th Overall by the Thunder

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

2022: Drafted 12th Overall

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 named to the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge after averaging 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 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 win over the New York Knicks.

2023: Selected to USA Basketball Men's Select Team

In preparation for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 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 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, in his playoff debut, 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 the opening round of the NBA playoffs.

January 30, 2025: Named as All-Star Reserve

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

July 13, 2025: Signed Contract Extension

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

2025: NBA All-Star Game, All-NBA Team and NBA Championship

In 2025, Jalen Williams was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team. He also won an NBA championship that same year.

2025: NBA Finals Victory

In 2025, Oklahoma City won the NBA Finals series 4–3. Jalen Williams also revealed that he received about 30 painkilling injections in his injured right wrist during the 2025 NBA playoffs.