ESPN’s Jalen Williams prediction would be best-case scenario for Thunder

ESPN has begun revealing its countdown of the top 100 players heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Several members of the Oklahoma City Thunder have already been named on the list, which currently covers rankings 100 through 11. Reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be featured in the upcoming top-ten reveal.

NBA insider Anthony Slater believes Thunder forward Jalen Williams is capable of climbing the rankings to become a fringe top-10 player by the end of the season. Williams was previously ranked 11th on ESPN's list last season but struggled to maintain that standing due to multiple injury issues.