Marc Daigneault’s compliment to Jalen Williams’ Google

The Oklahoma City ThunderA new user documentary, “Loud City: The OKC Thunder Championship Season” on NBATV tells the story of the 2025 NBA champion, including a funny scene between the coaches Mark Daigneault and All-Star Jalen Williams. Less than a week ago Thunder Banner/Ring Ceremony at Paicom Centerdocumentary gives fans behind-the-scenes access during 2024-25.

One of those scenes involved Daigneault explaining why he was calling Williams renaissance man for his multifaceted talent on the field.

“He’s like a renaissance man in basketball,” Daigneault said. “There’s nothing he can’t do.”

Williams admits he had no idea what Daigneault was talking about.

“Mark calls me a renaissance man,” Williams said. “I had to Google what that meant.

Williams showed his defensive flexibility to coach Mark Dayno when Thunder forward Chet Holmgren suffered a hip injury three weeks into the regular season. Jalen played center in Holmgren’s absence, notably ahead of Isaiah Hartenstein, who was rehabbing a left hand injury, before making his Thunder debut.

Williams earned second-team honors on defense. And coming off a season in which Williams earned his first All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, Jaylen helped lead Oklahoma City to its first title in franchise history — defeating the Indiana Pacers, 103-91, in the NBA Finals.

Jaylen Williams expects more goals after the Thunder title

Thunder All-Star Jaylen Williams has new goals beyond 2024-25which was undoubtedly his signature campaign, as Williams enters only his fourth season. Still, Jalen is focused on winning again this coming season.

“This is going to sound really dramatic, but you’re really chasing greatness,” Williams said. “You’re chasing things that haven’t been done in our organization. And that’s everyone’s motivation. I think that’s why we’re such a special group.”

Not to detract from the $287 million payout, Williams is very grateful for the Thunder’s commitment. However, it is up to him to lead the team to multiple championships, an opportunity afforded to very few players in the NBA.

“The contract. Obviously, very nice. I’m very happy to have it. It changed the trajectory of my family’s life, for sure. A championship is something you obviously play for. But that’s all in the past,” Williams added. “The wrist surgery, I think, was a really good thing for me. It allowed me to be grounded and focus on that, and forget about the championship and everything else. But everybody’s trying to compete.”

Recovering from offseason wrist surgery, Williams missed the Thunder’s entire preseason but could return for next Tuesday’s opener.