Jalen Williams has been ready to go for much longer than most thought

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams revealed at Thunder Media Day that he recovered from his hamstring issues much sooner than anticipated. Despite missing 49 regular-season games and 10 playoff contests last season due to injury, Williams stated he felt close to 100 percent healthy about a week after the NBA Finals ended in late June.

Williams explained that rushed returns during critical moments last season prevented proper healing. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season opener on October 20 against the San Antonio Spurs, Williams anticipates a playoff-level atmosphere as he returns to the court fully healthy.