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The Unbelievable Truth: Are Jalen Williams And Jaylin Williams Actually Related? (A Deep Dive Into The OKC Thunder Duo)

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The question of whether NBA players Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams are related is one of the most persistent and confusing mysteries for basketball fans, especially those who follow the Oklahoma City Thunder. As of late December 2025, the two young stars share the same team, the same last name, and were even drafted in the same year—a coincidence so rare it’s practically unbelievable, but the simple, definitive answer is that they are not related by blood or family tie.

This deep dive will settle the debate once and for all, exploring the unique circumstances that brought these two talented, yet completely unrelated, athletes together to wear the same jersey for the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). From their distinct college backgrounds to the clever nicknames their teammates use to tell them apart, their shared journey is a fascinating story in the modern NBA.

Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams: A Tale of Two Unrelated Bios

The sheer coincidence of two players with such similar names being drafted by the same franchise in the same draft class—the 2022 NBA Draft—is what fuels the continuous speculation. Despite the shared surname and team locker room, their personal and professional paths before the NBA were entirely separate. Below are the complete biographical profiles for both Oklahoma City Thunder players.

Jalen Devonn Williams (J-Dub)

  • Full Name: Jalen Devonn Williams
  • Nickname: J-Dub
  • Born: April 14, 2001 (Age 24 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown/Birthplace: Denver, Colorado (Grew up in Arizona)
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • College: Santa Clara University (Santa Clara Broncos)
  • NBA Draft: 2022 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 12th overall pick
  • NBA Team: Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)
  • Key Achievements: Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Jaylin Michael Williams (Jay)

  • Full Name: Jaylin Michael Williams
  • Nickname: Jay
  • Born: June 29, 2002 (Age 23 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown/Birthplace: Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • College: University of Arkansas (Arkansas Razorbacks)
  • NBA Draft: 2022 NBA Draft, 2nd Round, 34th overall pick
  • NBA Team: Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)
  • Key Achievements: Known for his charge-taking ability and defensive presence.

The contrast in their backgrounds is clear: Jalen Williams, an Arizona native who attended Santa Clara, was a lottery pick. Jaylin Williams, a product of Arkansas basketball, was a second-round pick. Their only true common denominator, aside from their dedication to the sport, is the popular last name "Williams," which is one of the most common surnames in the United States.

The Incredible Coincidence of the 2022 NBA Draft

The story of how Jalen and Jaylin Williams ended up on the same roster is a remarkable piece of NBA history that solidified the "Are they related?" question in the minds of fans. The Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise known for its excellent drafting and player development, made the decision to select both players in the same draft, just 22 picks apart.

Jalen Williams, often referred to as "J-Dub," was the first to join the Thunder, selected with the 12th overall pick in the first round. His selection was based on his impressive playmaking, shooting, and positional versatility as a shooting guard/small forward.

Later that night, the Thunder used the 34th overall pick to select Jaylin Williams, known to his teammates as "Jay." Jaylin, a power forward/center from the University of Arkansas, was known for his high basketball IQ, rebounding, and willingness to draw charges, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his hustle.

The decision to draft two players with nearly identical names in the same draft class was a fun, yet confusing, moment for the organization and the public. This unique drafting event immediately created a narrative around the two players, despite the lack of a family relationship.

How the Oklahoma City Thunder Distinguish Their Williams Duo

The practical challenge of having two players with such similar names on the same roster—Jalen Devonn Williams and Jaylin Michael Williams—quickly led to the adoption of distinct, team-wide nicknames. This simple solution has been instrumental in eliminating confusion for coaches, commentators, and fans alike, and has become a charming aspect of the OKC team culture.

Jalen Williams: "J-Dub"

Jalen Williams is almost universally referred to as "J-Dub" by his teammates, the coaching staff, and the media. This nickname is a shortened, punchier version of his full name, Jalen Devonn Williams, and has become his primary identifier within the NBA. J-Dub has developed into a core player for the Thunder, contributing significantly to their success as a versatile wing.

Jaylin Williams: "Jay"

Jaylin Williams is simply called "Jay." This straightforward nickname helps to immediately differentiate him from his namesake. Jay, the big man, provides valuable depth at the power forward and center positions, often praised for his defensive effort and ability to stretch the floor.

This system of nicknames ensures that while they may not be brothers by blood, they are certainly "brothers on the court," a common sentiment shared by the OKC roster. The two have forged a strong working relationship, often seen interacting and supporting each other, which only adds to the playful confusion for those unfamiliar with their distinct monikers.

The Williams Connection: Shared Team, Shared Future

While the initial confusion about their familial connection has been settled—they are not related—the story of the two Williamses is still one of the most interesting coincidences in the NBA today. They represent a unique chapter in the Oklahoma City Thunder's history, being two foundational pieces of the team's promising young core, alongside stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

Their shared journey from the 2022 NBA Draft to becoming key contributors on a rising NBA franchise is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Jalen "J-Dub" Williams and Jaylin "Jay" Williams, though unrelated, are forever linked by their shared name, their shared draft year, and their shared goal of bringing an NBA championship to Oklahoma City. Their on-court chemistry, built on mutual respect and a shared competitive drive, is far more significant than any biological relationship.

are jalen and jaylin williams related
are jalen and jaylin williams related

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