Every Thunder mentioned on ESPN's awards predictions (and why they can win)

Jalen Williams: Most Improved Player

Rank: Tied at No. 1

In just his second season in the association, Jalen Williams took a monumental step in his career progressions.

All across the board, the 23-year-old went on to post career-highs, finishing with stellar averages of 19.1 points (5.0 more than 2022-23), 4.5 assists (1.2 more), 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 54.0 percent from the floor (roughly 2.0 percent better) and 42.7 percent from deep (7.1 percent better).

On top of this, he proved capable of defending at a high-end level and often served as the focal point of units with SGA on the sidelines.

Oh, and did we mention that he did this all while playing outside of his normal position of small forward and serving as the club's primary starting four?

That's right, the 6-foot-5, 195-pounder produced at this type of level while slotting in out of position all year long.

Now, with Isaiah Hartenstein added to their roster, many are under the impression that coach Mark Daigneault will slide him in as the club's starting pivot, thus moving Holmgren up to power forward and, in turn, Williams to the three.

While out of position, J-Dub posted these sensational numbers, registered the third-best plus-minus on the Thunder at +2.3, and ended up finishing fourth in the running for Most Improved Player.

Just imagine what he can do when at his more natural spot within the lineup!