Thunder's Jalen Williams Reflects on High School Jersey Retirement

Williams says the ceremony brought his achievements into perspective

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams recently had his high school jersey retired at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. Williams said the ceremony put his achievements into perspective, as he didn't expect any of it to happen when he was 14 years old attending the school. Williams' Thunder teammates joined him for the ceremony, which he said meant a lot and showed him the lives he's touched on and off the court.

Why it matters

Williams' high school jersey retirement ceremony highlights his journey from a teenage high school player to an NBA professional. It's a meaningful milestone that reflects his hard work and growth over the years, both as a player and person.

The details

After returning from a hamstring injury, Williams went back to his high school in Gilbert, Arizona for the jersey retirement ceremony. He was joined by his Thunder teammates, staff members, family, and friends to celebrate the occasion. Williams said he didn't expect any of this to happen when he was 14 years old, and the ceremony really put his achievements into perspective.

  • On February 11, 2026, Jalen Williams had his high school jersey retired at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona.
  • Williams returned from a hamstring injury to play in the Thunder's game against the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the ceremony.

The players

Jalen Williams

A forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who recently had his high school jersey retired at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona.

Cody Williams

Jalen Williams' brother, who led Perry High School to two state titles and is currently in his second season playing for the Utah Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“It put it into perspective a little bit more just because I was the first one up there. It's my high school. I was 14 going there. I didn't think none of that would happen. It wasn't even a thought. So, that definitely brings it a lot into perspective. Just how much it means to me and my family, and there's a legacy involved in that.”

— Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder Forward (clutchpoints.com)

“It's really cool. I think we've been trying to plan to do that for pretty close to since I've been in the NBA. So, it was cool to have a day in Arizona where we could do it. Did not expect the turnout at all that we had. It was super cool, obviously. My teammates, Thunder staff, coming out there meant a lot; something I don't take for granted.”

— Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder Forward (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Williams and the Thunder will continue their road trip, facing the Phoenix Suns after the jersey retirement ceremony.

The takeaway

Jalen Williams' high school jersey retirement ceremony was a meaningful milestone that put his journey and achievements into perspective. It showed the impact he's had on and off the court, and the support he has from his teammates, family, and community.