In the midst of a standout season, OKC Thunder's Jaylin Williams is turning heads, and his offseason weight loss is a big part of the story. Dropping nearly 10 pounds has unlocked new dimensions in his game, from elite shooting to a stronger defensive presence, allowing him to mesh seamlessly with other centers.
Jaylin Williams' transformation is opening up fresh lineup possibilities for the Thunder.
In previous seasons, Williams' limited mobility and erratic shooting often left him struggling for consistent minutes. Now, he's a versatile asset, especially thriving alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Historically a solid three-point shooter at 38.7 percent, Williams' shooting was often overshadowed by low volume and selective shot-taking. This season, however, he's averaging over four three-point attempts per game, always ready to fire with a quick-release form that's catching defenses off guard.
His newfound confidence from deep has opponents clearing the paint, creating open lanes for Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. When these two share the court, the Thunder boast a 100th percentile point differential (plus-21.9) and rank in the 98th percentile for both offense and defense in points per possession.
While OKC's impressive stats only tell part of the story, it's evident that SGA's performance is elevated with Williams on the floor. The MVP candidate's efficiency spikes with a true shooting percentage of 69.0 and he scores over 35 points per 75 possessions when paired with Williams.
Despite shedding weight, Williams remains a formidable screener, facilitating open shots and serving as a key player in the Thunder's offense. His ability to run five-out lineups gives shot creators like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell the freedom to find their rhythm.
Previously viewed as a defensive liability, Williams has improved his agility, allowing him to hold his own even when Isaiah Hartenstein or Chet Holmgren are resting. His enhanced physicality complements his defensive instincts and timing, compensating for any lack of verticality.
With his two-way capabilities, consistent passing, and screening, Williams is a versatile piece for OKC. Whether at center or power forward, he fits seamlessly into both defensive and offensive lineups.
Pairing with Chet Holmgren, the Thunder become a defensive powerhouse. This season, they boast an 18.1 net rating and a formidable 96 defensive rating when the two big men share the court. Their defensive synergy is a blend of Holmgren's timely blocks and Williams' knack for drawing charges.
As the regular season winds down and the Thunder enjoy a healthy roster, it will be fascinating to see how coach Mark Daigneault utilizes Williams in adjusting the bench lineups.