Thunder Guard Jalen Williams Displays Versatility in Preseason Slate - Sports Illustrated Oklahoma City Thunder News, Analysis and More Skip to main content Sign In October 14, 2022NewsDraft CoverageSI.comNewsDraft CoverageSI.comSUBSCRIBE Thunder Guard Jalen Williams Displays Versatility in Preseason SlateJalen Williams proved in preseason he'll be a pivotal part of the Thunder rebuild moving forward.Author:Derek ParkerPublish date:Oct 14, 2022 6:00 PM EDTTwelfth overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft Jalen Williams proved why Presti was willing to take a shot on a third lottery pick in his preseason slate. A junior out of Santa Clara, Williams saw his draft stock skyrocket in his latest season, eventually landing with the Thunder as their third selection in the first round. After a strong Summer League showing, it was clear Williams was set to be a vital part of the OKC squad. One five-game preseason slate later, it’s clear that’s true. Williams finished as the third leading scorer overall for Oklahoma City, averaging 14.4 points in five games in just 26.3 minutes. He shot 61 percent from the field and just 22 percent from beyond the arc. Scroll to Continue Recommended for You Thunder Assist Numbers Climb in Preseason SlateOct 14, 2022 4:52 PM EDT Top Performers Jalen Williams Ignites Versus SpursOct 14, 2022 10:52 AM EDT OKC Thunder Guard Trio Dazzles Fans in Preseason ActionOct 14, 2022 8:00 AM EDTIn the final contest, Williams poured on 21 points on 7-for-8 shooting against the Spurs, showcasing several different ways he can score the basketball. He was used in a variety of ways throughout the games, an an off-ball cutter and slasher, and as the games waned on, even as a primary creator. But Williams showed his worth outside of scoring too. He finished only behind second-year guard Josh Giddey in assists, averaging 5.2 per game and topping out at 13 in one contest. At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, Williams also showcased his premier ability to guard nearly any position, averaging 1.8 steals to go along with his staunch defense. At 21-years-old, Williams is older than most rookies general Manager Sam Presti has taken chances on, but it’s clear he’s going to be a pivotal part of the rebuild moving forward. Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage. In This Article 1 Oklahoma City Thunder News Thunder Assist Numbers Climb in Preseason SlateBy Chris BeckerOct 14, 2022 4:52 PM EDTNews Top Performers Jalen Williams Ignites Versus SpursBy Dustin McLaughlinOct 14, 2022 10:52 AM EDTNews OKC Thunder Guard Trio Dazzles Fans in Preseason ActionBy Randall SweetOct 14, 2022 8:00 AM EDTNews Thunder Wrap Up Preseason with a Win over the SpursBy Kade KimbleOct 13, 2022 10:39 PM EDTNews Thunder s 15-Man Roster Becoming More ClearBy Dustin McLaughlinOct 13, 2022 6:00 PM EDTNews Lu Dort and Keldon Johnson Set for Battle ThursdayBy Chris BeckerOct 13, 2022 3:00 PM EDTNews Aleksej Pokusevski Has Made His Case For the Starting SpotBy Ross LovelaceOct 13, 2022 11:06 AM EDTNews Thunder Gameday Wrapping Up Preseason in San AntonioBy Inside The Thunder StaffOct 13, 2022 8:00 AM EDTLoading…See MoreCLOSECLOSECLOSECLOSE