The wait is over: Jalen Williams is ready for his Thunder season opener

Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams finally makes his long-awaited 2025/26 season debut against the Phoenix Suns, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 24-year-old wing underwent necessary surgery in early July to repair a severe scapholunate ligament injury in his right wrist, an issue troubling him throughout the 2025 playoffs.

He later required a second follow-up procedure in late October to remove a screw causing irritation. His absence was deeply felt, especially following a historic 2024/25 campaign culminating in the Thunder’s first-ever NBA championship title. During that dominant run, the 2022 Draft’s twelfth overall pick earned his first All-Star selection, alongside spots on the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team.

These major accolades established him as one of the league’s most complete, promising wings. Consequently, his return marks a crucial development for the defending champions, as they aim to reintegrate their star player into the rotation for title defense.