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[Saba Sports News] Jalen Williams’ 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals has vaulted him into the conversation as one of the league’s top supporting stars — with some even likening his role alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to that of Scottie Pippen next to Michael Jordan.
“He is pretty special,” Pippen said. “I’m enjoying watching him. I see a lot of me in him for sure. I see a guy rising to be one of the top players in this league. He’s definitely someone who can help lead that franchise to multiple championships — him and Shai, of course.”
Pippen added that the freedom of today’s NBA might allow Williams to surpass even his own achievements.
“I don’t even want to cap him by saying he’s going to be me,” Pippen said. “I see him being greater, if I can say that. Just because of where the game is today. They have offensive freedom. We didn’t have that. We mostly ran out of a system. These guys have the freedom to shoot 3-balls and things of that nature.”
Williams and Pippen share some striking similarities — both were under-recruited, attended smaller colleges, and worked their way into becoming lottery picks and stars. Williams, now an All-Star and former Rookie of the Year runner-up, has had ups and downs this postseason but is now shining brightest with the Thunder just one win away from a title.