UPDATE: The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without star forward Jalen Williams for their highly anticipated season opener against the Houston Rockets on October 24, 2023. Williams continues to recover from offseason surgery on his right wrist, which he underwent in July after a grueling playoff campaign.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has offered limited details regarding Williams’ recovery, stating he is “progressing” and remains “right on schedule.” However, the absence of Williams, who was a standout performer last season, is a significant blow for the defending champions.
In the 2023 NBA playoffs, Williams battled through an injury that required nearly 30 pain-killing injections. He averaged an impressive 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, including a stunning 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals that secured the title for Oklahoma City. His determination was evident when he stated, “It was a necessary evil to win. I would’ve cut my hand off to win a championship.”
Despite signing a maximum extension of his rookie contract this summer, Williams acknowledged that he was aware of the risks when opting for surgery. “I knew I might not be ready to start the season,” he explained. Williams only resumed shooting with his right hand earlier this month, and he has yet to provide a specific timeline for his return.
“Just whenever I feel like I can be 100 percent, then I’ll rock out,” he mentioned during the preseason, highlighting the challenges of regaining his shooting touch. This uncertainty leaves fans and analysts eager to see how the Thunder will adapt without one of their key players as the season kicks off.
As the Thunder prepare for their opening game, all eyes will remain on Williams’ recovery progress. The emotional weight of his absence is palpable, with fans hoping for a swift return to the court. Stay tuned for further updates on Williams’ status and the Thunder’s season journey.
