Thunder's Jalen Williams Named a Finalist for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award

Oklahoma City’s second-year star has been a primary reason for the Thunder’s success. Jalen Williams has ascended to an elite second option next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and it feels like an All-Star appearance is in his near future. The two-way impact he has had on this young squad has simply been irreplaceable.

He’s averaging 19.5 points, 4.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds on an astounding 54% from the floor and 43.1% from 3-point range. He has been an ultra-efficient player and his rise has had a direct impact on the Thunder’s rise.

Williams has also had quite the impact off the court for the Thunder, too. On a team with no true veterans to start the season, Oklahoma City relied on its youngsters to take the reins in the leadership department and he stepped up in a big way. 

On Tuesday, the NBA announced J-Dub was a finalist for the 2023-24 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. According to NBA PR, the award “recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.”

The most noticeable and public way Williams has shown up for his teammates has been, of course, postgame interviews. He’s always present with Nick Gallo after the game hyping up his teammates after big performances. He has added a lot of Oklahoma City’s “AAU” vibes that the national media is picking up on. From the bench, to the court, and to postgame, Williams has let his passion and emotion shine through.

He has also taken up for his teammates on social media. Whether it has been defending Josh Giddey through a rough stretch or assuring the fanbase it’s a long season, Williams has always been a positive voice on the roster.

If Williams does take home the NBA's Teammate award, it certainly won't be the last award he gets in his career. The young wing has a bright future in the league.

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