Jalen Williams' Consistency Imperative to OKC Thunder's Overall Success
Following his rookie campaign a year ago, Jalen Williams was regarded as a wing with arguably the biggest possible upside in his class as the No. 12 pick to the Thunder.
He produced 14.1 points on 52-35-81 shooting splits in his first NBA season, and ended up placing as the runner-up to Paolo Banchero in the Rookie of the Year race, having secured 75 second place votes.
Now as a sophomore on a young, budding Oklahoma City team, Williams' development continues to flourish, attempting to hit that second gear for his second-year leap.
He's certainly shown he has the capability to embrace an even bigger role for the Thunder, having 28-point and 31-point games while shooting a combined 74.4% from the field in his two highest-scoring outings.
On the season, Williams has improved upon his scoring total, though his efficiency from different spots on the court looks different than last season.
He's been making strides in his more than 32 minutes per game this year, but that's not saying there hasn't been any hiccups for the 6-foot-6, 22-year-old forward.
It's his second season in the league, and there will be inconsistencies that tag along with that inexperience. To say that, his hiccups have come at some inopportune times for Oklahoma City.
When Williams isn't having the best night from an offensive perspective, and especially when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can't get things flowing, it can unfold into a rough, stagnant scoring night for the Thunder.
As the team's second option alongside Chet Holmgren, Williams needs to be available to be relied upon.
A 10-point, 20% night from the field against the No. 1 team in the West in the Minnesota Timberwolves will not get you that victory. A 13-point, 38.5% outing from the field outing doesn't do you too many favors in a loss to the Houston Rockets.
And, clearly, a five-point, 14.3% shooting performance against a talented Sacramento Kings team will drastically decrease the Thunder's chances of coming out with the victory.
These are just three contests this season that Williams has truly struggled to find his rhythm in. They're not often, but they do happen — and during it, Oklahoma City dropped three games of its eight losses.
The Thunder needs Williams' consistency in order to maintain a free-flowing, steady-scoring offense while in that bigger role. And while you can't perform your best every night, balance and consistency is key.
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