The Oklahoma City Thunder boast an impressive 18-1 record through 19 games, holding a net rating of +16.4—the best start in NBA history—and they aim to improve even further. All-NBA forward Jaylen Williams has been officially removed from the Thunder’s injured list and is set to make his debut on Friday against the Suns in a pivotal NBA Cup match that will decide the Group 1 West, as first reported by ESPN’s Shams Kleinia.
Williams had surgery in July to repair a torn navicular ligament in his right wrist, causing him to miss training camp and the beginning of the season. He made significant progress recovering from last season’s injury but underwent a second surgery in October to remove a screw that was causing irritation in the same wrist.
During the previous season, Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing his defensive prowess. These performances earned him his first All-Star and All-NBA selections. However, due to missing too many games earlier this season and not meeting the NBA’s 65-game minimum, he will not qualify for postseason awards. Consequently, his salary extension will start at 25% of the salary cap, although his pay will still increase from $6.6 million this season to $41.5 million next season.
Fan Take: Jaylen Williams’ return is huge news for basketball fans, as his talent and leadership could push the Thunder to new heights and reshape the competitive landscape in the Western Conference. Watching him bounce back from injury to shine at such a crucial moment highlights the resilience and excitement that makes the NBA compelling to follow.
