The Oklahoma City Thunder are having a fantastic start to the season despite the absence of Jalen Williams due to a wrist injury. Williams has taken a big leap in his recovery from offseason surgery that has kept him out at the beginning of the Thunder’s championship defense.
Thunder beat reporter Daniel Bell shared a minute-long video of Williams shooting with his right hand during practice. Bell added that the team is set to give an update on his possible return soon.
Brandon Rahbar of the Daily Thunder reported that J-Dub shooting 3-point shots might be the highlight of the day for Oklahoma City fans. Williams is scheduled to get re-evaluated this week, which is right in the 10-to-14-day timeline for re-evaluation that the franchise announced on October 31.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Williams underwent surgery on his right wrist to repair a torn ligament in July. He initially suffered the injury in March and continued to play through it during the Thunder’s championship run.
General manager Sam Presti was confident at that time that Williams would be available to start the season. However, the Thunder announced near the end of October that he is set to be evaluated in 10 to 14 days. If things are on schedule, he could make his return on October 12 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Thunder Are 10-1 Without Williams
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions for a reason. They were able to survive without Jalen Williams with ease, having a 10-1 record to start the season. Their lone loss was a two-point defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers on November 5.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to carry the Thunder to success, while players like Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe have stepped up. Mitchell has been a revelation for coach Mark Daigneault, averaging 17.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
While J-Dub has been the Thunder’s second-best player of the past two seasons, the franchise has a winning record when he’s sitting out. Since entering the NBA in 2022, the Thunder are a whopping 23-8, as per StatMuse.
With the Thunder being the best team in the NBA already without Williams, there could be a chance for them to be even more unstoppable upon his return.
Williams’ Injury Could Affect His Salary Next Season
According to Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman, Jalen Williams could lose at least a couple million dollars because of his injury. Williams needs to make the All-NBA Third Team this season as a minimum requirement to trigger one of the clauses in his five-year, $240.7 million extension.
The league introduced the eligibility rules for awards at the start of the 2023-24 season, requiring players to suit up for at least 65 games. If Williams doesn’t get cleared this week, he won’t have enough buffer or luxury to miss any more games.
Regardless of what happens, the Thunder would likely want Williams fully healthy rather than risk him returning earlier than expected because of a money clause in his contract. His extension will kick off next season and could reach up to $287 million based on his performances.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Thunder’s Jalen Williams Takes Big Step in Recovery From Injury appeared first on Heavy Sports.