Thunder End of the Year Report Card: Kenrich Williams

Oklahoma City's veteran glue-guy was in the midst of a terrific season before he suffered wrist injury.

Kenrich Williams has been everything Oklahoma City could’ve asked for in a veteran player. He’s been able to grow with the Thunder’s core and help set them standard on both ends of the floor. If his season wasn’t cut short by a wrist injury, Oklahoma City might still be playing basketball.

Overall Grade: B+

Williams was an impact player for the Thunder all season long and was asked to fill many different roles on the court. The stretch forward played center for the short-handed Thunder and matched up against the NBA’s best centers on a regular basis. At 6-foot-6, Kenny Hustle held his own and stepped up when the Thunder needed a rebounder.

Offense

Williams was the definition of reliable inside the 3-point line. The do-it-all wing shot 60.8% on all 2-point attempts, finding serious success from both the mid-range and the paint. His 3-point shot fell at a consistent rate too, as he drilled 37.3% of his triples.

Kenny Hustle averaged 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.8 minutes per game. Williams started 10 games down the stretch, mostly lining up at the center spot. He has developed great chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, displaying a great feel for the game and court spacing. There’s a reason Oklahoma City didn’t trade him to a contender at the recent deadline’s.

The only thing holding him back from a near-perfect grade is his 43.6% conversion rate at the free-throw line. It's one of the most puzzling parts of Williams' game.

Defense

Williams is one of Oklahoma City’s most underrated defenders and seems to be up for any matchup — no matter the position. His defensive versatility is so useful on a team like the Thunder’s. With Chet Holmgren back in the lineup next season, he’ll be able to play a role much more comfortable to him and help the team even more.

He averaged 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks per game, but impacted much more on the defensive end. He’s an elite charge taker, and draws offensive fouls at an unbelievable rate.

Williams will be a massive help to the Thunder when he’s back in the lineup next season. The team was noticeable worse with him sidelined down the stretch, and could’ve used him during a few pivotal losses. He’ll be a veteran presence on and off the floor next year.

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