One of Arkansas basketball's most beloved alumni has slowly — but surely — made a name for himself in the NBA. Jaylin Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder is making a significant impact not only in the box score but also in the locker room, earning recognition as a finalist for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.
Jaylin Williams nominated for Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
The lesser-known NBA award honors the player whose actions on and off the court epitomize what it means to be a good teammate, such as selflessness and leadership. Williams is one of the 12 finalists across the NBA, including Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors), DeAndre Jordan (Denver Nuggets), and Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) to name a few.
Over the last few weeks, Williams has had a massive role for the Thunder. On March 7 against Portland, the former Hog notched his first career triple-double, recording 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in the 107-89 win. If that weren't enough, he also tied Alex Caruso's three steals, as well as Branden Carlson and the Trail Blazers' Toumani Camara's two blocks — all game highs.
Only 12 days later, he recorded his second triple-double, earning a career-high in points in the process. In a 133-100 win over the Philidelphia 76ers, Williams led an injury-depleted Thunders team with 19 points, 17 boards, and 11 assists in 38 minutes. And if weren't evident enough from the nomination for the Teammate of the Year award, the team's comradery during Williams' post-game interview shows how much he's beloved.
The Thunder is arguably the best team in the NBA. They're No. 1 in the west with a 14-game lead on the Houston Rockets. They also have a 3-game lead over Cleveland — No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.