Thunder's 'Other' Jaylin Williams Proving His Worth

Backup center steps up with starter Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined by injury

Mar. 5, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder having two other expensive centers on the roster, Jaylin Williams has been an incredible value so far this season. With starting center Isaiah Hartenstein out due to injury, Williams has stepped up, averaging 20.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the four games he's played 30 or more minutes. His ability to stretch the floor and move the ball makes him an easy fit in any lineup, and his per-minute assist numbers are comparable to Hartenstein's.

Why it matters

The Thunder have remained at the top of the NBA standings despite several key players missing significant time due to injury. Williams' emergence as a valuable reserve has helped the team weather those absences, proving the depth and versatility of their roster.

The details

Jaylin Williams, who was drafted the same year as Thunder star Jalen Williams, has been a valuable reserve for the team this season. Despite sitting behind Hartenstein and All-Star Chet Holmgren on the depth chart, Williams has delivered when pressed into a bigger role, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and move the ball. His per-minute assist numbers are higher than many Thunder guards and comparable to Hartenstein's.

  • On Wednesday, Hartenstein went down with a leg injury in the Thunder's 103-100 win over the New York Knicks.

The players

Jaylin Williams

A 6-foot-7 backup center for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has been an incredible value this season, averaging 20.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the four games he's played 30 or more minutes.

Isaiah Hartenstein

The starting center for the Oklahoma City Thunder who went down with a leg injury in Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks.

Chet Holmgren

An All-Star center for the Oklahoma City Thunder who Jaylin Williams has played alongside or in place of this season.

Jalen Williams

A Thunder star who was drafted the same year as Jaylin Williams, but is spelled differently.

Kenrich Williams

A 6-foot-7 veteran who provides shooting and stability for the Thunder when they need him, despite not putting up big numbers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jaylin Williams got a multi-year deal from the Oklahoma City Thunder this season despite the team having two other expensive centers on the roster. It's been an incredible value so far.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter and comedian

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Thunder's depth and versatility have allowed them to remain atop the NBA standings despite key injuries, with Jaylin Williams emerging as a valuable reserve who can stretch the floor and facilitate the offense when called upon.