Jalen Williams may only be entering his third NBA season, but he already sounds like a seasoned veteran when it comes to dealing with media narratives. During a recent appearance on The Old Man and the Three, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard opened up about how he manages the highs and lows of public perception—and why he’s learned to block out the noise. In a league where praise can turn to criticism overnight, Williams made it clear: he’s focused on what’s real. It’s a refreshing mindset from one of the NBA’s rising stars, and a window into the mental side of thriving in today’s media-driven NBA.
“They’re gonna love you one day, they’re gonna hate you the next day. And that cycle is gonna continue so that they can get people to watch,” said Williams on the ‘Young Man & the Three. “And people don’t watch, they just listen to what people are saying. That helped a lot because then when I have a bag game it’s like… ‘meh’. After all, I’m the only one experiencing what’s going on.”
Williams, 24, is only three seasons into his NBA career, but he’s already become a core piece of the best team in the West. With averages of 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 48.4% shooting, he helped lead the Thunder to the league’s top record and a breakthrough title run, cementing his status as one of the most impactful young stars in the game. He also signed a five-year, $287 million extension that will keep him in OKC for the foreseeable future.
But the rise didn’t come without resistance. Along the way, Williams dealt with the reactionary takes, hot-and-cold narratives, and constant noise from outside voices—many of whom, he notes, don’t watch the games. It’s something every modern player must navigate, but few speak on it as directly or thoughtfully as Williams. His honesty reflects a deeper truth about the mental grind young players face today: it’s not strictly about basketball anymore—it’s about managing image and perception from all angles.
That media scrutiny has only intensified as Oklahoma City has emerged as a legitimate title threat. With expectations now sky-high and playoff moments magnified, even a single bad game can spark days of overblown headlines and social media takes. But Williams doesn’t let it shake him. It’s a powerful mindset that speaks to his growing maturity as a leader in one of the league’s youngest locker rooms.
Despite his inexperience, Jalen knows how to handle the pressure better than most. As Williams aims to pursue another title next season, he’s going to focus on playing his game and ignore any noise from the outside.
He’s not alone in feeling the weight of public perception, but what sets Williams apart is his ability to compartmentalize it. Rather than trying to control the narrative, he’s focused on controlling his response. That emotional discipline has helped him maintain consistent production across multiple roles—whether he’s creating offense, defending the opposing team’s top wing, or closing games next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
In a sports media landscape driven by storylines and shock value, Williams’ perspective is a reminder that athletes are human first. The ability to stay level-headed, block out false narratives, and focus on the work is what separates the great from the merely talented. For Jalen Williams, it’s a sign of ultimate maturity, and perhaps a reason why Oklahoma City’s future looks so stable.
