Thunder’s Jalen Williams Out for Season Opener After Wrist Surgery

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Jalen Williams, forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will miss the team’s season opener against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday due to recovery from wrist surgery. This loss poses a significant challenge for the Thunder, who are looking to defend their championship title.

Williams underwent surgery in early July to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. He had put off the operation until after the Thunder’s run to the championship finals, opting to play despite severe pain during the playoffs. The athlete received nearly 30 pain-killing injections to manage the injury as he averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, including a standout 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

“It was a necessary evil to win,” Williams told ESPN about enduring the pain. “I would’ve cut my hand off to win a championship.”

Despite signing a lucrative contract with supermax escalators this summer, Williams acknowledged that his recovery timetable remains uncertain. Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault mentioned that the player is “progressing” and “right on schedule,” yet Williams did not specify when he expects to return.

“Just whenever I feel like I can be a hundred percent, then I’ll rock out,” he said, emphasizing the importance of regaining his jump shot during his recovery.

As the Thunder prepare for their season without Williams, they need to adjust their strategy. The team remains optimistic for a swift recovery and looks forward to having him back on the court.