Third-year Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams often finds himself in the shadows. He followed his older teammate from high school and college, Isaiah Joe, to the Thunder. He’s frequently seen in the Thunder’s celebratory postgame interviews playfully engaging with teammates. Furthermore, he wasn’t even the first player named Jalen Williams drafted by the team; the Thunder selected Jalen Williams in the first round of the 2022 draft, preceding Jaylin who was chosen in the second round.
Now that the Oklahoma City Thunder are competing in the NBA Finals (with game one having been played on Thursday), Jaylin Williams can now claim a prominent accomplishment: he is the first player of Vietnamese heritage to reach the Finals. It’s worth noting that he was also the first player of Vietnamese descent to secure a spot on an NBA roster, making the achievement even more remarkable. Williams’ Vietnamese heritage stems from his mother, Linda, who was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with her mother, Nga, in 1975 following the Vietnam War. She deeply appreciates her son’s historic status in the league.
Cultural milestones and family heritage stories like this are central to Lifestyle & Personal, celebrating how players’ origins shape their identity and journey.
“It never occurred to us that he would be,” she told The Oklahoman back in 2023, reflecting on his groundbreaking achievement as the first player of Vietnamese descent on an NBA roster. “It holds immense significance for our family, especially for Jaylin. I am continuously amazed by my son and his capabilities.”
In that same article, Williams expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’ve received immense support from the Vietnamese community. Whenever I encounter people, they always approach me. During games, a majority of the fans donning my jersey are Vietnamese. It’s truly amazing and heartwarming.”
Williams’ Role on a Promising Thunder Team
Williams is an integral part of the young and formidable Thunder team, which is heavily favored in this year’s Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Though led by this year’s NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s overall strength is derived from its deep roster and tenacious defense. Williams isn’t the most crucial player, but he embodies the team’s determined spirit. Standing at 6 feet, 10 inches and weighing 240 pounds, he’s primarily relied upon to contend against larger opponents. Notably, his strength lies in drawing charges, showcasing a less flashy but equally important skill.
Limited Spotlight, Significant Contribution
As you explore various Finals preview articles, podcasts, and segments this week, you’re unlikely to hear Williams’ name mentioned frequently. To clarify, this refers to this Jaylin; Jalen Williams, the Thunder’s second-best player, will undoubtedly garner ample attention. Throughout the year, he has averaged just under six points and six rebounds. Apart from some crucial minutes spent defending Denver Nuggets’ star center Nikola Jokic during the second round, he’s maintained a relatively low profile in the playoffs.
Given the Pacers’ less physically imposing frontcourt, it’s possible Williams may receive limited playing time beyond garbage time during the championship series. However, he likely won’t mind it too much, finding genuine joy in the collective success of his team and teammates. He represents a type of player that Thunder fans, and the entire Vietnamese community, can hold in high regard.
