Jalen and Jaylin Williams: NBA’s Confusing Twin Namesake Players

Oklahoma City, OK – The Western Conference Finals have brought attention to two players who share a strikingly similar name: Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. Both players were drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022, leading to confusion among fans, broadcasters, and statisticians alike.

To distinguish between the two, fans can refer to their positions and nicknames. Jalen Williams, a small forward known as ‘J-Dub,’ wears number 8. Meanwhile, Jaylin Williams, a power forward called ‘Jay Will,’ wears number 6. Despite their shared last name, the two are not related, a detail that continues to perplex new viewers of Thunder games.

This season, Jalen Williams has emerged as a key player alongside NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He has averaged an impressive 21.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, earning him recognition as an All-Star and an All-NBA player for the first time in his career.

For further context, here are Jalen’s career stats: in the 2022-23 season, he played 75 games, averaging 14.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. His statistics continued to improve in the following seasons, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s success.

Similarly, Jaylin Williams has been a vital contributor during his tenure with Oklahoma City. Known for his strong presence in the paint, he helped the Thunder achieve the best defensive record in the NBA this season. Throughout his career, Jaylin has averaged 5.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

As the playoffs unfold, fans now have the tools to keep track of both players as they continue to make their mark in the NBA.