May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), forward Chet Holmgren (7), and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) talk to the media after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

'Let’s Do it Again' – Oklahoma City Thunder Star Sends Clear Message to the Team Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 9:32 AM ET

Jalen Williams doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels this upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. In fact, the Oklahoma City Thunder forward sounds even more determined to win another Larry O’Brien trophy for his team.

Speaking in an interview with Slam, Williams revealed his new source of motivation and how it aligns with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s goals.

“Just seeing what the media thing was. How the tables kind of turned, we’re too young to win, and then when we win, it’s oh, they were the one-seed all year, they should have won,” Williams said. “I feel like that’s a huge motivator because it’s like, alright, well, let’s do it again, and see what they have to say this time. So, that’s been my biggest thing. I think another thing for me with my hand.

Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) celebrates after winning game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

“I haven’t done anything, and I won’t be able to do anything for like another month. Getting close to training camp, it’s going to be like, ‘Alright, let’s see how good I can get during the year,’ after not being able to use my hand the whole time. So, now, I have a motivator for that,” he added.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Jalen Williams drops candid take on having veterans on the team

In the same interview, Jalen Williams said that he believes that the Oklahoma City Thunder “doesn’t need veterans” to be successful. To his point, they were the second-youngest team to win the NBA Finals at an average age of 25.6 years.

Dec 20, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a three-point basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

“I don’t think you need a bunch of veterans to be successful. I think they’re definitely useful. But I learned how to be a professional before I even signed paperwork to be on the Thunder,” Williams explained.

“You go in there, and every single basketball on the ball rack is facing the exact same way; we tuck our shirts in for practice; we’re not wearing jewelry for practice. That stuff was ingrained in me since I’ve been in the organization. So we haven’t had to have vets teach us how to do things. We matured faster, because that’s the environment that we’ve been in,” he added.