Jalen Williams Injury Update: How Will Thunder Cope Without Their Rising Star?

By Edcel Panganiban July 02, 2025 05:43

The Oklahoma City Thunder received a crucial medical update on their rising star, Jalen Williams, who recently underwent successful surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. The procedure, performed by Dr. Steven Shin at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, marks the beginning of a recovery process expected to have Williams re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks, with an anticipated return in time for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Williams’ injury, sustained during a late regular-season game against the Phoenix Suns on April 9, was kept under wraps as he played through the pain during the Thunder’s historic championship run. Remarkably, despite the torn ligament in his shooting wrist, Williams appeared in all 23 postseason games, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while helping Oklahoma City secure their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle 17 years ago.

His resilience and mental toughness drew praise from Thunder general manager Sam Presti, who highlighted Williams’ determination:

“In today’s era, when a player struggles or isn’t performing at their peak, there’s often someone who ensures the public knows they’re not 100%. That never happened with Jalen. He powered through, showing incredible mental endurance and confidence.”

Williams’ 2024-25 season was a breakout campaign. The 24-year-old guard/forward earned his first NBA All-Star selection, was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and secured a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He averaged career highs of 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.61 steals per game, joining an elite group of players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Nikola Jokić who averaged at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals.

The injury undoubtedly affected his shooting efficiency during the playoffs. Williams shot just 30% from three-point range, a notable drop from his regular-season mark, and struggled with consistency in some games. Yet, his overall impact on both ends of the floor remained undeniable, as he contributed crucial scoring, playmaking, and defensive pressure throughout the Thunder’s postseason run.

Looking ahead, the Thunder face the challenge of navigating the offseason and early 2025-26 campaign without Williams at full strength. The 12-week re-evaluation timeline suggests he may miss much of training camp and possibly the early regular season. However, the organization is optimistic about his full recovery and return to form, given his youth and the quality of medical care.

To cope without their rising star, the Thunder will likely lean more heavily on veterans and emerging players in their rotation. Oklahoma City’s championship roster boasts depth, including Michael Porter Jr., who was recently traded to Brooklyn but whose departure may create opportunities for others to step up. The front office, led by Sam Presti, has a track record of smart roster management and player development, which bodes well for maintaining competitiveness during Williams’ rehab.

While Jalen Williams’ wrist surgery presents a temporary setback for the Thunder, his successful procedure and expected return timeline provide hope that the team’s young star will be ready to continue his ascent next season. His toughness in playing through injury during the championship run only enhances his reputation as a cornerstone for Oklahoma City’s future. The Thunder’s ability to adapt in his absence will be tested, but with a strong supporting cast and savvy management, they remain well-positioned to defend their title once Williams is back on the court.