Is Jalen Williams The Next Kawhi Leonard? Bill Simmons Floats Comparison
Surging as the West’s No. 1 seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder boast more than just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. The 22-year-old forward Jalen Williams has also become a vital piece to the puzzle.
Williams has taken a big leap in his sophomore year, averaging 19.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 54.0% shooting from the field. He’s not just lighting it up offensively but also making his mark on defense, significantly boosting the team.
This impressive play from Williams has caught the eye of renowned NBA analyst Bill Simmons. In his own podcast, Simmons offered high praise for Williams, comparing the young forward to two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard.
“There’s a lot of Kawhi when I watch Jalen Williams,” Simmons said. “And I was thinking, like Kawhi Leonard Year 2, what was going on there?”
“There’s a lot of Kawhi when I watch Jalen Williams.”@BillSimmons and @ryenarussillo discuss the potential of Jalen Williams after his massive game yesterday at MSG: pic.twitter.com/xVhiFyAzq7
— The Ringer (@ringer) April 1, 2024
