Thunder's Two-Way Player Williams Climbs Rookie Ladder with Stellar Performance and Consistent Progress

In Oklahoma City's recent victory against Utah, two-way player Williams put up an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 32 points. Williams made 12 out of 15 shots, including four out of five from the arc, in addition to contributing two blocks and two assists. His remarkable feat makes him the third rookie in the franchise history to score 30 points, grab five rebounds, and make five assists. Consequently, Williams has climbed up to the second spot in the Kia Rookie Ladder, surpassing Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin.

If there were a Most Improved Rookie award, Williams would be one of the top contenders. In the past month, he has been averaging 20.2 points in 11 games, shooting 57.4%, and averaging 5.1 rebounds per game and 4.4 assists per game. Compared to his first 11 games in the NBA, where he averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 52.6% shooting, his improvement is evident. His consistent pattern of progress from high school through his three years at Santa Clara is also commendable.

Williams attributes his increased familiarity with his role, team, and the league for his improved performance. His size and handle make him ideal for positionless basketball, and his aggressiveness is noticeable on both ends of the court.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Williams for playing the right way and making the right pass when a teammate is open. He also acknowledged Williams' speed and size, which make it difficult for opponents to handle him.

Despite missing Tuesday's game against Golden State due to a sprained right wrist, Williams has been impressive throughout the season. He has an average of plus-3.4 while helping OKC go 5-6 in the past month.

On the 2022-23 Kia Rookie Ladder, Banchero maintains his hold on the top spot and his dominance among the East's newcomers. He earned his third consecutive Rookie of the Month award in the conference. Although Williams may not have enough games left to chase down Banchero in the Rookie of the Year balloting, he has amassed the most steals in the NBA since the calendar flipped to 2023, with 60 in 28 appearances, slightly ahead of Washington's Delon Wright.