After making his debut on the official NBA rookie ladder last week at No. 9, Oklahoma City guard Jalen Williams moved up one spot following a solid week of play.
Averaging 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists over the last week, Williams is emerging as a legitimate offensive and defensive contributor for Oklahoma City. Drafts twelfth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams offers a versatile combination due to his playmaking fluidity and 7-foot wingspan.
On the season, Williams is averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebonds and 2.8 assists per game. He’s started in four games this season, and has scored in double figures in five of his last six contests. He’s also shooting 52 percent from the field.
Williams makes the list on what has been a star-studded class thus far. Sharpshooter Bennedict Mathurin leads the way at No. 1, followed by Pistons’ guard Jaden Ivey and Magic star Paolo Banchero, who should make his return from injury soon.
Here is the full list:
1. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
2. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
3. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Scroll to Continue
4. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
5. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
6. Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
7. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
8. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
9. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
T10. AJ Griffin, Atlanta Hawks
T10. Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Ramona Shelburne, ESPN Senior WriterJun 8, 2023, 02:15 AM ETCloseSenior writer for ESPN.comSpent seven years at the Los Angeles Daily NewsMIAMI -- This time of
See at Now Now Watch the NBA Finals in the UK from £12 Show more (5 items) After getting blown out in Game 1, the Miami Heat used a fourt
MIAMI -- The Denver Nuggets reasserted their dominance in this NBA Finals Wednesday, ro
Nikola Jokic continues to show why he could have, and maybe should have, won his third consecutive MVP Award.The Joker went for the first 30-20-10 effort in NBA