Jalen Williams doesn't pass the eye test

[azcatz11]

Can’t compare dude to Harden

Harden is realistically 3 tiers above JDubb. Not even close

[Black Jack]

he's fine, he's just being exposed on a bigger offensive role than he should handle at this point in his career

he is definitely a world beater on defense, but should be 3rd option offensively for a championship team, his decision making has always been questionable offensively.

but he's talented and will get better

presti should the one to blame if jdub implodes, because he was the one that had the decision to bring or not a legit second option (like kd or butler) and he opted to stay put.

KD helping bring a ring to OKC would have (could be) an incredible story.

[reload141]

What are the expectations for JW?

Everyone pegged him as an allstar when he isn’t, he’s a great complimentary player to 2 all stars though

He was voted an all star.

Because of their record, they needed 2 all stars because of that

[Frank Dux]

OKC is going to have some massive problems if their second option keeps laying eggs like this and demands a max.

The Thunder might need to start seriously thinking about consolidating their talent. Maybe make a run for Giannis.

They should be doing that either way. Pack Chet and Williams and get Giannis. Instant rings.

I see a lot of people talking about trading young guys for Giannis (Flagg for example), but I would worry that Giannis' game is all about athletic advantage and he's headed into his age 31 season. Maybe Giannis makes adjustments to extend his MVP-level prime, but there's also a chance Giannis falls off dramatically in a couple years.

OKC is trying to build a decade long contender, so I don't love them turning that into a 2 year window.

I also think Giannis won’t age well. But there’s a strong possibility OKC could win a couple titles before his game falls off the cliff.

[Clav]

I think overall I'm left impressed with Williams' play, however on nights like last night, he looked completely out of touch with his offensive game. I can live with missed shots if they are the right shot - so a bad shooting night doesn't always rile me up, that's basketball. I don't like missed shots when they are forced or should be a makeable layup at the rim. Williams had multiple of those, and it is pretty much reflected in his box score this time. Plus he had a few untimely TOs, he's gotta value possessions more to improve the level of the OKC team should they win. Another night like this, and he will be a factor in the series loss.

As it stands for me - he's a valuable 3rd option right now. He makes things work offensively and defensively he can play multiple positions, and holds his own. For OKC to win it all, he needs to be better, and he's taken a major dip in the playoffs. It gives me pause on his overall ceiling but again, 2nd playoffs, still a young player. He's gotta show us that he can handle it, though.

[PushDaRock]

How this dude became an All-star is beyond me. Leastern conference activity right here. End of an era.

whoa I'm famous

[QPR]

Everyone pegged him as an allstar when he isn’t, he’s a great complimentary player to 2 all stars though

He was voted an all star.

Because of their record, they needed 2 all stars because of that

21/5/5 with all-D credentials is always going to be in the All-Star conversation. He's shat the bed these playoffs but he was a worthy AS

Their record is a dumb argument because he was a key part of said record

[thamadkant]

Suns offer KD for Jalen Williams then. Assuming Thunder doesn't win the ring.

Suns may add a future protected pick. Thunder has stack of capable SGs in Dort, Caruso, Wiggins but bringing in KD would make them sure fire offensive juggernaut still with elite perimeter defense.

[bbms]

Suns offer KD for Jalen Williams then. Assuming Thunder doesn't win the ring.

Suns may add a future protected pick. Thunder has stack of capable SGs in Dort, Caruso, Wiggins but bringing in KD would make them sure fire offensive juggernaut still with elite perimeter defense.

the reason for the thunder to go and get a guy like kd is to protect the development of a guy like jdub.

phx knows jdub and chet are out of their reach.

[Run DLC]

Does anyone else find it weird that he looks like Anthony Edward’s childhood friend?

[DaPessimist]

I'm not sure his offense is good enough to make him a 2nd option on most title teams. Realistically Chet should move into the 2nd option role on offense, and let JWill play the swiss army knife role.

[The Servant]

OKC is going to have some massive problems if their second option keeps laying eggs like this and demands a max.

The Thunder might need to start seriously thinking about consolidating their talent. Maybe make a run for Giannis.

I do wonder what it would take to get Giannis, I think it has to be one of Chet or Jdub + a haul of frp.

I love Jalen Williams but 49m/year is terrifying. I feel like 30 to 40 is fair, but even towards 40Ish I'm a little worried. I would keep the core together but a Giannis deal is tempting.

[VicG]

I would consider a trade for him. Maybe Scottie Barnes?

[canada_dry]

Jalen Williams is young and in his 3rd season. He’ll be fine and he’ll probably surprise you in game 7 at home.

Role players play better at home

Sent from my SM-G960W using RealGM mobile app

[DrModesty]

I would consider a trade for him. Maybe Scottie Barnes?

But Scottie is also a defense first player with iffy offense and even worse shooting.

The issue is the Thunder don't have a go to scorer outside of SGA. Jalen might turn in to that. Chet might turn in to that. OKC might need to trade for one. But Barnes doesn't really help.

[Emhoward]

OKC has been so good that we forgot about their youth. Jalen is in year 3. I think he’s capable being a #2 on a champion when he hits his prime. Unfortunately he may not be there yet.

Jalen is 24. Not exactly super young. That’s 2 years younger than Doncic and 3 years younger than Tatum. Those guys have been great for ages.

Those guys are #1’s tho. Jalen’s ceiling is a number #2 guy. I think a better comparison would be to compare him to now proven #2’s when they were 24.

[ChumboChappati]

I think he is great. OKC would be stupid to trade him away.

[cupcakesnake]

OKC has been so good that we forgot about their youth. Jalen is in year 3. I think he’s capable being a #2 on a champion when he hits his prime. Unfortunately he may not be there yet.

Jalen is 24. Not exactly super young. That’s 2 years younger than Doncic and 3 years younger than Tatum. Those guys have been great for ages.

Those guys are #1’s tho. Jalen’s ceiling is a number #2 guy. I think a better comparison would be to compare him to now proven #2’s when they were 24.

We don't really know J.Dub's offensive ceiling. There are reasons to doubt him (lack of an awesome first step, inconsistent shooting, sometimes struggles to finish over help), but there are reasons for optimism (strong driver with a nice bag of middy counters, has occasionally dominated in non-Shai minutes).

For me, if he's a #2 option on offense but sustains his current level of defense... that's a borderline top 10 player. Not a lot of #2 options make this level of defensive impact.

[Wargreymon]

Well this thread aged horribly...

[MoneyTalks41890]

Don't worry he'll have a bad game against the Wolves and folks will pile on again.