2) Jalen Williams
Watching Jalen Williams play, you would never guess that he’s only been in the NBA for two seasons. He is so smooth on the court and boasts full confidence in everything he is doing.
The sophomore has quickly burst onto the scene and made an immediate impact. In just his second season, Williams averaged 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
He shot the ball at a 54 percent clip from the field and 42.7 percent from distance. The most impressive of his season stats, however, might be his fourth-quarter play.
The Thunder’s rotation throughout most of the season saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sit the first part of the fourth quarter, leading to Jalen Williams running the offense. It’s never easy when your best player is taking a rest, but J-Dub took over during the crucial final period.
NBA fans, meet Dub.@okcthunder | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/rEDUNcwK3l
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 24, 2024
He finished in the top 15 in fourth quarter scoring, averaging 6.8 points -- Keep in mind, Williams did this while not even being the team’s leading scorer.
His ability to come through for the team late earned him a third-place vote for Clutch Player of the Year., while also finishing fourth for the Most Improved Player award this season.
With so much success coming in just his second year in the league, the potential is endless for Jalen Williams and the Thunder.