History of Jalen Williams in Timeline

Jalen Devonn Williams, known as J-Dub, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He played college basketball at Santa Clara for three seasons before being drafted 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2022 NBA draft. By 2025, Williams had earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection, made an All-NBA Team, and won an NBA championship.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1955: Second-highest Bronco Prospect in History

In 1955, Ken Sears was drafted making Jalen Williams the second-highest drafted Bronco prospect in Santa Clara history.

1995: Since Shaquille O'Neal in 1995

In 2025, Jalen Williams also recorded at least 25 points and five rebounds in three consecutive NBA Finals games, becoming the first player under the age of 25 to achieve such a streak since Shaquille O'Neal in 1995.

1996: Last Santa Clara Player Drafted Before Williams

In 1996, Steve Nash was the last Santa Clara player drafted before Jalen Williams.

April 14, 2001: Jalen Williams was born

On April 14, 2001, Jalen Devonn Williams, nicknamed J-Dub, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2012: First Finals Appearance since 2012

After the Thunder won the 2025 Western Conference Finals series in five games, they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

2013: First Western Conference First Seed Since 2013

In 2024, Jalen Williams helped lead the Thunder to their first Western Conference first seed since 2013, entering the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

2017: Named Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year

In 2017, Jalen Williams was named the Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year as a junior in high school.

November 5, 2019: Debut for Santa Clara

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: Thunder Acquired Draft Pick

In 2019, the Thunder acquired the draft pick that they would use to draft Jalen Williams from the Clippers in the Paul George trade.

November 30, 2021: Career-High 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 in a 78–70 loss.

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, in the 2022 NIT, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 63–50 loss against Washington State.

March 31, 2022: Declared for the 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 but suffered a right orbital bone fracture.

November 30, 2022: 27 points against the San Antonio Spurs

On November 30, 2022, Jalen Williams scored 27 points and helped rally the Thunder from a 20-point second-half deficit against the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

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

2022: Drafted 12th overall by the 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 the 2023 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, Jalen Williams recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in his playoff debut in a 94–92 Game 1 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

January 30, 2025: Named NBA 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 with the Thunder.

2025: NBA All-Star and Championship

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

2025: New Playoff Career High and NBA Championship

In 2025, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams scored a new playoff career-high of 40 points and Oklahoma City won the series 4-3 to win the NBA Championship.