The Oklahoma City Thunder, thankfully, have been able to survive the sustained absence of their second star in Jalen Williams.
Williams missed the first 19 games of the season rehabbing the wrist injury he suffered in last year's playoffs, only to endure two more lengthy absences as a result of a hamstring strain. He's missed the Thunder's last 16 games, and he's only made 26 outings on the season. Although it seems like Oklahoma City should soon be expecting his return, there remains dire questions about his availability and overall health for their playoff run.
In his absence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to prove himself as one of the NBA's premier players. He's put up another MVP-caliber campaign, and since his return from injury on Feb. 27, he's averaging 30.9 points on 54.9% shooting from the field. Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell, meanwhile, have filled in the gaps in the Thunder's offensive hierarchy with their enhanced aggression on that end of the court.
When Williams returns, therefore, he will have a reimagined structure to reckon with. If he's not at full health, the uncomfortable truth could be that the Thunder require him to play a slightly less aggressive role heading into the playoffs.
Jalen Williams will need to acclimate himself to the Thunder's new offensive hierarchy upon his return
In 2024-25, Williams truly burst onto the scene as Oklahoma City's second option. He was an All-Star, a third-team All-NBA selection, and a second-team All-Defense selection, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 48.4% shooting from the field.
Even when he's been available this season, however, he's taken a step back in terms of his aggression. Through the 26 games he's played, he's averaging just 17.5 points on almost three less field goal attempts than he averaged last season. His 3-point volume has also been cut almost in half.
In his absences, the Thunder have had some positive developments. Holmgren has taken a major step forward on the offensive end, being more aggressive in his cuts and his shot selections. It was the last step he needed to take to become an All-NBA caliber player, and for the most part, he's gotten there.
Mitchell and Jared McCain, meanwhile, have become worthy backcourt partners for Gilgeous-Alexander. Although Mitchell's skill-set as a ball-handler and secondary creator makes him much more well-rounded than McCain in that role, both have become bona-fide offensive options to help fill the gap that Williams has left behind.
It's not as though the Thunder won't need Williams for the playoffs. His ability to get downhill and draw contact is vital to the way Oklahoma City wants to run their offense. But things have changed in his absence.
Especially if the Thunder are planning on protecting his health in the early rounds, Williams will need to get comfortable in an adjusted role. With just 11 games remaining in the regular season, time is rapidly running out to make that adjustment.