Bill Simmons Compares Second-Year NBA Player to 2x Finals MVP

In Sunday’s win, Williams scored 33 points while shooting 14-for-18 from the field. Additionally, the second-year wing recorded four rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. On the season, Williams is averaging 19.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Bill Simmons Compares Second-Year NBA Player to 2x Finals MVP

The NBA World Acknowledges Jalen Williams’ Game

In February, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said Williams was the most underrated player in the NBA.

Additionally, former MVP James Harden recently said, if he could pick anyone to wear his shoes, he would pick Williams:

When asked who he’d like to see sport his Adidas shoes, Harden picked Williams, saying he’s felt like an older sibling seeing him develop into one of the best wings in the league so quickly. “He’s been killing it. I feel like a proud big brother,” Harden said about Williams. “I think that’s our job is to create something special to give back to the younger generation.”

Jalen Williams is No Kawhi Leonard…Yet

Williams has shown a lot of promise in his second season. At 23 years old, he should only continue getting better and becoming a mainstay in the league for at least another decade. That said, he is not Leonard just yet. On paper, there are some similarities in their games. Both of them are long wings who can contribute to every aspect of the game. Additionally, Williams has shown flashes of being able to take over a game like he did against the Knicks. This is something Leonard has been able to do countless times in his NBA career. However, beyond that, the two are not entirely comparable. Leonard is much more athletic and is a greater presence on the defensive side of the ball. Williams, however, is a better pure shooter than Leonard is and makes himself noticed in different ways.

All that said, the Colorado native is an intriguing player who can help the Thunder win for years to come.