Resetting the NBA Rookie of the Year race: Is Paolo Banchero still on top?
By Ian Levy
4. Jalen Williams — Oklahoma City Thunder
It took a few weeks for Williams to get his footing with the Thunder and against NBA competition but he’s really settled in as a key contributor for Oklahoma City. He entered the starting lineup for good on Dec. 12 and since then he hasn’t missed a game, averaging 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Williams adds a ton as a complementary ball-handler, sharing initiation responsibilities with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Jaden Ivery and Paolo Banchero are the only rookies who have driven more often and while he passes on a relatively high percentage of his drives he’s also a fantastic finisher — shooting 52.2 percent on drives, about the same as Anthony Edwards, Zach LaVine or Devin Booker.
He still leaves a lot to be desired as a shooter, both on catch-and-shoot attempts and off the dribble but his versatility at both ends could make him a valuable rotation piece for years to come.