Jalen Williams undergoes wrist surgery, will miss 10-14 days – Basketball Insider
Thunder Stars face minor setback
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday that forward Jalen Williams will miss at least 10 to 14 more days after undergoing follow-up surgery on his right wrist. Surgery removed a screw that caused irritation during the final stages of his recovery.
Dr. Steven Shin performed the surgery at Cedars-Sinai Health in Los Angeles, with Thunder medical staff also present. Shin also performed Williams’ initial surgery in early July to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his shooting wrist. The 23-year-old played through an injury in Oklahoma City’s playoff run that resulted in an NBA championship.
Strong start without being named to the All-NBA team
Despite losing a star, the Thunder are off to a 6-0 start, showing impressive depth and toughness. Head coach Mark Daigneault is relying on reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to continue to carry the scoring load, while younger players like Ajay Mitchell and Chet Holmgren have taken on expanded roles.
Williams remains an integral part of Oklahoma City’s long-term plans. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game, and was selected to the NBA All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive Second Team. His versatility and consistency on both ends have helped the Thunder rise from a rebuilding team to a true championship contender.
Deferrals and Eligibility Issues
In July, Williams signed a rookie contract extension that included a super-money escalator if he was named to the All-NBA team again. However, NBA rules require players to play at least 65 games to be eligible. Missing the first 11 games of the season puts his motivation at risk, though the Thunder prioritize his long-term health over short-term rewards.
The organization expects to re-evaluate Williams in mid-November and hopes he can return soon if his recovery goes well.
Focus on health and continuity
Williams’ return would add another dynamic scorer and defender to an already dominant lineup. Currently, Oklahoma City is thriving with its “next man up” mentality. Once Williams rejoins the lineup, the defending champions could become even more dangerous as they aim to repeat their success.
