What happened to jalen williams on okc

On 24 October 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that rising star Jalen Williams successfully underwent a surgical procedure to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle. The injury occurred during the final week of the team's preseason training camp, casting a shadow over the franchise's high expectations for the 2026-2027 NBA season. Team medical staff confirmed that the surgery was completed without complications and that Williams is now beginning his rehabilitation process at the team's facility. While the organization has not provided a definitive return-to-play timeline, internal reports suggest he will be sidelined for at least the first month of the regular season. Williams, who has become a cornerstone of the Thunder’s core alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, expressed optimism about his recovery progress via a brief statement released by the team. The Thunder coaching staff is currently adjusting their rotation to compensate for his absence, emphasizing a "next man up" mentality as they prepare for their upcoming season opener.