Jalen Williams has earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen following his breakout NBA Finals performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers. Williams scored a playoff-career-high 40 points in Game 5, helping put the Thunder one win away from their first championship.
Pippen told ESPN that Williams reminds him of his own playing style and development path. Both players were overlooked recruits who experienced late growth spurts before emerging as elite complementary stars alongside MVP-caliber teammates.
Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have combined for 291 points through five Finals games. According to ESPN Research, only three duos have scored more points through five Finals games: Michael Jordan-Pippen (1993), LeBron James-Kyrie Irving (2017), and Stephen Curry-Kevin Durant (2017).
The Thunder star has averaged 21.6 points per game this season, more than Pippen averaged in all but one season of his career. Pippen believes Williams' scoring ability in today's pace-and-space NBA gives him even greater potential.
"I don't even want to put a cap on him to say that he's going to be me," Pippen said. "I see him being greater, if I can say that. Just because of where the game is today."
Williams embraced the comparison while acknowledging the historical significance. The 24-year-old has developed into a versatile star capable of playing multiple positions and serving as a primary ball-handler.
"I feel like a new-age Scottie maybe," Williams told ESPN. "I'm not mad at that one at all."
Williams credits Oklahoma City's organizational culture for allowing him to develop alongside Gilgeous-Alexander without ego conflicts. The Thunder avoided the chemistry issues that plagued their previous Finals team in 2012, which featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has gradually expanded Williams' role based on his efficient performance. Williams has increased his scoring average each season: 14.1 as a rookie, 19.1 in his second year, and 21.6 this season.