10) Kenrich Williams
When the Thunder acquired Kenrich Williams as a part of the four-team deal that sent Steven Adams to the Pelicans, I don’t think anyone saw him becoming a key rotational piece. Now, four years later, “Kenny Hustle” is adored out in Oklahoma City.
Kenny Hustle 💪
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 13, 2024
Everything about this sequence >>> pic.twitter.com/onxvL7QDTo
Williams appeared in 69 games throughout the 2023-2024 season, where he averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Those numbers might not be eye-catching, but it’s what he does in the areas that don’t show up in the box score that makes the difference.
Going undrafted back in 2018, Williams has had to carve his own path onto an NBA roster. A member of the 2017-2018 All-Big 12 team, he signed with New Orleans as a free agent.
In February 2024, the TCU alum had his jersey retired by the school.
Every time he’s on the court there is no slowing down. He’s sprinting, not jogging. Every loose ball he is diving onto the floor trying to grab, his high energy plays amplify the team’s momentum.
The versatility of Williams is also a crucial part of his role on this team. He can slide in as a small ball center or take the ball up the court as the three.
His confidence has only grown as he’s spent more time in the league and has finally found his role on the team. While he’ll never be a guy who’s going to stuff the stat sheet, Williams will give 110 percent effort every minute he is out there on the court.