Scottie Pippen Reflects on Jalen Williams’ Rise
Years after his climb from obscurity to NBA stardom, Scottie Pippen is sharing his insights on the meteoric rise of Jalen Williams, a budding star for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pippen, who made his mark as Michael Jordan’s key partner in winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls, sees striking similarities between their paths despite the different eras they played in.
Jalen Williams’ Impact in the Playoffs
Williams, who went largely unnoticed as a high school player and began his collegiate career at a comparatively small school, has surged to prominence, particularly during the Thunder’s current playoff run. In the ongoing NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the 6-foot-6 forward has been pivotal for Oklahoma City, underscoring his talents with a playoff-career-high of 40 points in a crucial Game 5 victory. This scoring spree has contributed to him and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander forming a powerful scoring duo, together amassing a remarkable 291 points in the series—placing them among elite company historically in Finals matchups.
Pippen reflected on Williams’ performances, saying, “He is pretty special. I’m seeing a lot of myself in him. I see a player who can lead his franchise to multiple championships alongside Shai.”
Interestingly, Williams was born in the late 1990s—well after Pippen’s early struggles in the league, yet the young player embraces the comparison.
“I feel like a new-age Scottie maybe. I’m not at all offended by that; it’s actually quite flattering,” Williams said.
Rising Career and Recognition
Drafted 12th overall by Oklahoma City in 2022, Williams has rapidly established himself, finishing as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year and continuing to grow as a player each season. This year, he received his first All-Star nod and earned recognition as an All-NBA and All-Defensive player, a testament to his multifaceted skills on the court.
Pippen’s storied career includes seven All-Star appearances and a renowned place in the Hall of Fame, and despite Williams not yet reaching that level, Pippen believes Williams has the potential to exceed expectations based on today’s game dynamics.
“He’s in a better position to achieve greatness than I was because of the offensive freedoms available now. The game allows for individual scoring in ways we simply did not have back in my day,” Pippen stated, noting that Williams’ 21.6 points-per-game average this season already surpasses Pippen’s own averages for most of his career.
Collaboration and Adaptability on the Court
During the playoffs, Williams has adapted effectively, even taking on point guard responsibilities to ease pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander, which helped the Thunder advance deeper into the postseason. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Williams’ ability to handle increased roles while remaining efficient on the court, something that sets him apart from others. Williams, only 24, has embraced a collaborative approach with his teammates, understanding his role within the team structure and the importance of making sacrifices for collective success.
Despite the challenges posed by the competitive landscape of the NBA, Williams remains undeterred, eager to strengthen his game and contribute to the Thunder’s ambitions. His steady improvement each season showcases his commitment to growth, and with support from both Pippen and Gilgeous-Alexander, expectations are high for what lies ahead for this promising player.
“I know my role, and I’m willing to adapt for the betterment of the team,” Williams concluded. As he continues his ascent, basketball fans will be watching closely to see if he can indeed become the next great multi-time champion, following in the footsteps of Pippen and others who have defined the sport.
