The Oklahoma City Thunder's backcourt often grabs the spotlight, but it's time to shine a light on their frontcourt talent, particularly Jaylin Williams. Recently, ESPN's Tim Bontemps highlighted Williams as potentially the best backup center in the league, and for good reason.
Thunder fans are already familiar with Williams' impact, but his performances are now catching national attention. On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, analysts Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon, and Bontemps praised the fourth-year big man for his versatile contributions on the court.
Whether it's his explosive 30-point game, featuring 5-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc against the Pistons, or his stat-stuffing 29-point, 12-rebound, three-assist, and two-block showcase against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, Williams consistently delivers when Coach Mark Daigneault calls his number.
This season, Williams is enjoying a career year, averaging 7.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and nearly a block per game, while shooting 36.5 percent from three-point range. His impressive play has sparked discussions about his potential as a starter, particularly if the Thunder decide to part ways with Isaiah Hartenstein this summer.
The financial landscape is a key factor here. The Thunder are projected to be $24 million over the second apron for the 2026-27 season. By declining Hartenstein's third-year option, they could clear $28.5 million, making Williams an appealing, budget-friendly alternative.
Williams is making a strong case for the starting role. In games where he's logged 30 or more minutes, he's averaged 20.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 53.5 percent from the floor and an impressive 48.0 percent from deep. Across 11 starts, he's recorded 12.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks, while holding opponents to 43.0 percent shooting.
With a descending contract that pays him $15.5 million over the next two seasons, Williams offers the Thunder a strategic, cost-effective option at center. If OKC opts for a financially-driven decision to move on from Hartenstein, Williams is poised to step into the spotlight and continue his upward trajectory.