Here’s a bold statement: Jalen Williams, one of the NBA’s most underrated stars, is being overlooked yet again—and this time, it’s downright baffling. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a breakout 2024-25 season where he averaged 21.6 points on 48.4% shooting, became the third-youngest player to score 40+ points in an NBA Finals game, and showcased elite defensive versatility, Williams didn’t even receive a single vote in a recent GM survey for the league’s most versatile defender. Yes, you read that right. Zero votes.
Now, let’s break this down. Williams isn’t just a scoring machine; his defensive prowess is where he truly shines. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie went so far as to label him ‘one of the three or four most switchable defenders in the NBA,’ a claim backed by his ability to guard every position—yes, even centers. Remember when Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams were sidelined with injuries? Williams stepped in as the primary pivot, and opponents shot a measly 44.9% from the floor against him. That’s not just good—that’s elite.
And this is the part most people miss: during Oklahoma City’s championship run, whenever Williams played the five, the Thunder allowed just 112.0 points per 100 possessions and boasted a staggering 19.6% turnover percentage, ranking in the 99th percentile. His 106.5 defensive rating for the season outpaced every player mentioned in the GM survey, including his teammate Lu Dort (107.3), who received 7.0% of the votes.
Physically, Williams is a defensive dream: a 6-foot-5, 211-pound small forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a sturdy build. His metrics don’t just align with his physique—they scream ‘elite defender.’ Yet, GMs somehow left him out of the conversation entirely. Is it a case of recency bias, or are we witnessing a collective oversight?
Here’s the kicker: players like Houston’s Amen Thompson (18% of votes) made the cut, but Williams—who outperformed nearly everyone defensively—wasn’t even an honorable mention. It’s not about Williams deserving the title over others; it’s about him being completely snubbed. Does the league undervalue his defensive impact, or is there something we’re all missing?
This isn’t just a snub—it’s a glaring omission that raises questions about how we evaluate defensive versatility. Williams doesn’t just look the part; he’s proven it time and again. So, why the silence from GMs? Is Jalen Williams the most underrated defender in the NBA, or are we overstating his case? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
