Jalen Williams Becomes Second Thunder Player To Earn 2025 NBA All-Star Nod

As NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco approaches, participants in the various events are beginning to be announced. Most notably, the players who have earned the honor to play in the marquee event on Sunday night have now been officially unveiled.

The starters for the NBA All-Star Game were announced last week, as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned a spot in that group of elite players. He is currently the favorite to win MVP later this year and was an easy choice. On Thursday, the reserves were announced and a second member of the Thunder made the cut.

In just his third season, Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams officially earned the nod as an NBA All-Star, making him one of just 24 players in the league who can say that for the 2024-25 campaign. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, so this honor speaks volumes about his impact on the Thunder’s success this season and how he is viewed by coaches around the NBA, who voted on the reserves.

The progression Williams has made over the first three seasons of his career has been extremely impressive. A two-way talent, he’s emerged as a bonafide second star alongside Gilgeous-Alexander this season, which has been especially important with Chet Holmgren being sidelined for the majority of the season. As good as Gilgeous-Alexander is, he can’t do it alone. The Thunder has the second-best record in the NBA at 37-9 and is first in the Western Conference, which wouldn’t be possible without Williams’ continued development.

Through 45 games this season, Williams has produced 21.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest. His shooting efficiency has fallen slightly this season, given the expanded role and additional attention from defenses, but that’s to be somewhat expected.

Not only is he a dynamic scorer, but Williams is also a phenomenal defender who can guard every single position. Whether it be a quick point guard like Kyrie Irving or one of the tallest players in the league like Victor Wembanyama, Williams has effectively defended up and down every lineup.

That versatility is felt on both ends of the floor. The first-time NBA All-Star can defend anyone, but he can’t also fill any spot on the offensive end. Williams was a college point guard and still has those skills, but he spent the majority of his time this season playing as a forward — and, at times, as a small ball center.

This is a well-deserved honor for Williams, who is clearly one of the brightest young players in the league. At 23 years old, he’s the second option on a championship contender that is on a 66-win pace.

Not only will Williams join Gilgeous-Alexander in San Francisco next month, but he will have a chance to also compete against another teammate as Cason Wallace is participating in the Rising Stars event, meaning he could be part of the NBA All-Star mini tournament under the new format.

This mini-tournament will feature four teams competing in a three-game bracket. The 24 All-Stars will be divided into teams of eight, with the fourth team being the aforementioned winner of the Rising Stars event.