UPDATE: Oklahoma City Thunder star forward Jalen Williams has been officially ruled out for the team’s season opener against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. This decision comes as Williams continues to recover from offseason surgery on his right wrist, a critical injury that has raised concerns among fans and team officials alike.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has kept the details surrounding Williams’ recovery vague, stating only that the player is “progressing” and “right on schedule.” The Thunder will need to navigate the early part of the season without one of their key players.
Williams, who was a third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defensive selection last season, suffered a torn scapholunate ligament in his wrist on April 9 during a playoff game. Despite the injury, he played through significant pain, receiving nearly 30 pain-killing injections during the playoffs, where he averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. His performance peaked with a stunning 40-point game in a pivotal win in the NBA Finals.
“It was a necessary evil to win,” Williams told ESPN when reflecting on his decision to delay surgery until after the championship run. “I would’ve cut my hand off to win a championship.”
Williams underwent surgery in early July and knew the risks involved, acknowledging he might not be ready for the start of the season. As of this month, he has only just begun shooting with his right hand, further complicating his return timeline.
When asked about a specific return date, Williams remained non-committal, stating, “Just whenever I feel like I can be a hundred percent, then I’ll rock out.” He added, “Part of the process is just figuring out how to get my jump shot back. A lot of it is just trying to get feel back.”
The Thunder will face the Rockets without their star player, marking a significant challenge as they defend their championship title. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Williams’ recovery, eager for updates on his potential return to the court.
As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Thunder and how they adapt without Williams, raising questions about their ability to maintain their status as contenders in a highly competitive league.