Jalen "J-Dub" Williams has rapidly evolved from the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft into a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s modern dynasty, culminating in his pivotal role during their 2025 NBA Championship run. Cementing himself as the team's versatile secondary star alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, Williams earned his first All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selections in the 2024-25 season, averaging over 21 points per game with elite two-way efficiency. His toughness became legendary during the 2025 Finals, where he famously scored 40 points in a crucial Game 5 despite playing through a torn wrist ligament. Rewarded with a massive five-year max extension in July 2025, he recently returned from offseason surgery to rejoin a dominant Thunder squad that started the 2025-26 season on a historic tear, proving he remains the "glue" that makes their championship engine run.