Thunder’s Jalen Williams Undergoes Follow-Up Wrist Procedure, Set for Reevaluation

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday that All-NBA wing Jalen Williams recently underwent a follow-up operation on his right wrist to remove a screw that had been causing irritation during the final phase of his rehabilitation. The procedure marks the latest step in Williams’ ongoing recovery from an offseason wrist injury that required surgery in July.

Team officials said the minor procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Shin at Cedars-Sinai Health in Los Angeles, with members of the Thunder’s medical staff in attendance. Shin was the same surgeon who handled Williams’ initial repair of a torn scapholunate ligament — an injury the forward had played through during Oklahoma City’s postseason championship push.

According to the team, Williams is expected to be reevaluated in 10 to 14 days, though no firm return date has been established. The operation was described as routine and aimed at resolving lingering discomfort that developed as he ramped up basketball activity.

Despite his absence, the Thunder have maintained strong form early in the season, beginning the year 6–0 while balancing multiple injuries across their roster.

1. Managing a Key Piece in the Thunder’s Core

Williams’ health is a major priority for Oklahoma City, which views the 23-year-old as a cornerstone of its young, title-contending core. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, earning All-NBA honors and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most versatile two-way forwards. His offseason surgery was initially expected to sideline him for the start of the 2025 campaign, but optimism grew in recent weeks as he resumed light basketball activity. The latest procedure, though minor, resets the timeline slightly and ensures he returns fully healthy rather than risking a setback. Williams has been a key figure in the Thunder’s rise from a rebuilding team to a Western Conference powerhouse, thriving alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. His ability to create offense, defend multiple positions, and provide leadership has been central to Oklahoma City’s balanced style under coach Mark Daigneault. Even with Williams sidelined, the Thunder have continued to play cohesive basketball, relying on depth and improved contributions from young players such as Josh Giddey and Cason Wallace to maintain early-season momentum.

2. Contract Implications and Recovery Outlook

Williams’ injury management carries broader implications beyond his immediate health. The former first-round pick signed an extension to his rookie contract in July, a deal that includes lucrative supermax escalators if he earns another All-NBA selection. Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason awards — a benchmark now at risk due to his recovery timeline. If Williams misses the first 11 games as expected, he would have limited margin for rest or setbacks later in the season. The Thunder have been cautious not to rush him, prioritizing long-term durability over short-term gains given his value to the franchise’s future. The team’s medical staff remains optimistic that Williams will return to full strength once the wrist fully stabilizes. The screw removal procedure is considered standard for athletes experiencing post-surgical irritation and is not expected to impact his long-term performance. As Oklahoma City navigates the early part of the season without one of its key players, Williams’ recovery continues to be monitored closely, with both team officials and fans anticipating his eventual return to the lineup.

3. Thunder Stay Confident Amid Adversity

The Thunder’s strong start despite Williams’ absence underscores the depth and resilience of a roster built on player development and collective play. Oklahoma City has leaned heavily on its defensive intensity and ball movement, traits that have defined its early-season success. Coach Daigneault and team leaders have repeatedly emphasized a patient approach with Williams, stressing that the goal is to ensure his readiness for the stretch run and postseason rather than rushing him back prematurely. With Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to lead the team’s offense and Holmgren anchoring the defense, Oklahoma City has maintained its status as an early Western Conference contender. The franchise remains confident that a fully healthy Williams will elevate them further once he returns. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-690591a4-205c-8320-a1a2-4eb74a1fcaf3-4” data-testid=“conversation-turn-26” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Jalen Williams underwent a minor wrist procedure to remove a screw causing irritation, and while he’ll miss more time early in the season, the Thunder remain optimistic about his full recovery and long-term impact.