Monday, OKC Thunder fans were treated to some exciting news, not just once but twice within roughly an hour.
First, it was revealed that Oklahoma City was extending Alex Caruso to a four-year $81 million deal. Soon after, the injury report showed that big man Jaylin Williams is expected to be good to go against the Washington Wizards for their Tuesday night bout.
The Thunder have been severely lacking in size down in their frontcourt during this first quarter of action, and it was quite evident just how badly they needed help in this department during their NBA Cup Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
With Williams back and ready to go, there are bound to be several areas on the court where he helps out, which could be the deciding factor between a win and a loss moving forward.
Whether it be size, more depth, or something not yet seen from him, he will have an immediate impact on the club.
How Jaylin Williams will immediately impact Thunder upon return
The first place Jay Will helps out with is on the offensive end.
The big man is incredibly versitile on this end of the floor, as he can set a pick like a traditional big while also having the ability to step out beyond the arc and cash home a triple.
Last season, Williams' three-point shot was what separated him from many other backup centers, as he cashed home on 36.8 percent from long range.
With how many three-pointers the Thunder are taking this season, he could easily slot in for a pick-and-pop scenario, something Isaiah Hartenstein lacks as the starter.
The other primary attribute he brings to the table is his mindset, which is extremely valuable.
It is in play even when he is not in the game, as he is a born leader and motivator for this squad. It may have been jokes from him, but when other players were talking about him and how important the NBA Cup was to Jaylin, it almost inspired them to win it all.
His mental toughness also shows when he plays, especially defensively.
He is not going to go up and contest shots like Hartenstein, or be a perimeter defender of the likes of Caruso, but he does not let that deter him.
Instead, he has found his own specific way of dominating on defense by taking as many charges as possible.
Charges have become something of a forgotten art on defense, yet Williams still relies on it as his best asset on the floor. It is part of the reason he played 13 minutes a game the previous season.
Whether it be his size, offensive bag, or defensive mindset, Jaylin Williams will be a huge addition for the Thunder right out of the gates.
It also came at the right time, as Oklahoma City is about to have a tough stretch of games with opponents like Cleveland and Boston right on the horizon.
The ball club can finally put the small ball lineups to rest, as now Hartenstein has a reliable backup when he needs a break.