$Thunder's Jalen Williams has surgery for orbital fracture$

Oct 13, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) shoots before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Thunder's Jalen Williams has surgery for orbital fracture

By Sean Keane | Last updated Oct 21, 2022 2:46 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a large crop of rookies this season, with three lottery picks joining the No. 34 pick, Jaylin Williams on the roster this year. Unfortunately, the rookies are dropping like the Lakers' championship odds, and they've all been freak injuries.

First, No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren suffered a Lisfranc injury during a summer pro-am game, which means he'll miss the entire season. And now No. 12 pick Jalen Williams has broken his right orbital bone in the very first game of the season.

Thunder lottery pick Jalen Williams underwent surgery to address a right orbital bone fracture he suffered in the opener, the team announced. He will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) October 21, 2022

Williams was guarding Jaden McDaniels when McDaniels clocked him with an inadvertant elbow. Incredibly, the referees called a foul on Williams, apparently for fouling McDaniels' ellbow with his face. Based on Williams' new Instagram profile photo, his right eye swelled shut very quickly.

Looks like Jalen Williams’ right eye is swollen shut pic.twitter.com/igGn952OoZ
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 20, 2022

It was a very active first six minutes of Williams' NBA career before leaving with the injury. He scored five points, made both his shots, delivered an assist, and committed three fouls. He looked very smooth on the offensive end.

Jalen Williams takes advantage of the mismatch, creates space & shows off his wingspan & some great touch for his first NBA bucket.

He’s so fun. pic.twitter.com/RKm1b9ax3Z
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) October 20, 2022

Williams is out indefinitely, and will almost certainly wear a protective maks when he returns. Until then, Thunder fans will have to content themselves with center Jaylin Williams instead.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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