For four years now, OKC Thunder star Jalen Williams has enjoyed a point guard-esque role during stretches when running mate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench. As a result, he has developed into an exceptional ball-dominant wing who can create his own shots from nearly anywhere on the floor.
In the upcoming season, however, he might not be able to enjoy such a luxury.
With the Thunder's much-improved point guard situation, it appears Jalen Williams may have to make some necessary adjustments to his game, and the team's overall success may depend on it.
It's well known that Ajay Mitchell has been a revelation in the backcourt. Representing yet another on-ball option, he will likely take on the majority of point guard duties for the team's second unit.
The Thunder's selection of Bennett Stirtz is what truly throws a wrinkle into the offense. Stirtz, another ball-dominant guard, will look to fill the minutes vacated by Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe. However, he possesses a vastly different skill set from the two wings.
While both Dort and Joe enjoyed a strict off-ball role, Stirtz is not yet an elite perimeter shooter and thrives more with the ball in his hands.
Thunder offseason has put Jalen Williams in tricky situation
Because of these transactions, Jalen Williams finds himself in a position to change his playstyle.
As the point guard room has grown crowded, the spot-up shooting room has thinned. Williams, being the skeleton key of the team, will likely be the one who is forced to adjust.
Though the All-Star is believed to be capable of rising to the occasion, history may be working against him.
Last season, he and the aforementioned Mitchell played in just 26 games together during the regular season. Even during the postseason, they continued to deal with their respective injuries, and neither was on the floor for OKC's Game 7 loss to the Spurs.
As a result, Williams did not get much experience playing off the ball. In fact, he only averaged 1.5 catch-and-shoot opportunities per game, and he shot poorly with little volume (just 34.0 percent).
The previous season wasn't much better. In 3.3 attempts per game, he shot just 40.4 percent.
If the Thunder wish to have a chance to return to the NBA Finals, their star two-way wing will need to accept an altered role.
While it may not be a comfortable transition at first, Williams is certainly talented and versatile enough to make the change for the betterment of the team.
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