Thunder's Backup Big Man Helping Ease Front Court Worries

Oklahoma City's backup center is coming on strong at the right time.

After beating the Hornets on Friday night, Oklahoma City is 34-15 overall and holds the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference. Because of an abundance of draft picks and young players though, the Thunder will still be one of the most interesting teams to follow during the trade deadline period.

It has already been reported that Oklahoma City would like to add veteran depth, preferably in the front court. Sure, the Thunder could add a backup big. It still makes sense. Someone who could give Chet Holmgren a breather but also slot in next to him at times.

But recently, Oklahoma City has had a player on the roster already step up and do just that. Jaylin Williams, the second-year forward from Arkansas, has started to hit his stride and is looking more and more like a solid backup option off the bench. After a slow start with an injury, he has found his footing and is receiving consistent playing time now. Williams will never be a star, but he knows his role and plays it well.

He has given the Thunder a big boost off the bench over the last handful of games. Williams has reached double-digit minutes in nine straight games for the Thunder and is providing valuable court time. He has recorded multiple rebounds in eight of those games and at least one block in seven.

Against Denver, Williams recorded nine points, three rebounds and two assists, doing a little bit of everything. Friday night against Charlotte, he nearly recorded a double double adding seven points and eight rebounds. He's a leader on the floor and provides the team with the hustle and tenacity that Thunder basketball was built on.

Of course, he's an elite charge taker still and plays smart all-around basketball. Even when his outside shot isn't falling, he's finding ways to impact the game.

Williams turning into a useful backup is a big win for the Thunder, and if he can continue this stretch, the team might not feel as pressured to trade for a big elsewhere.

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