The NBA dropped its 2025 All-NBA teams on Friday, May 23, and while some picks were expected, one name had fans collectively raising their eyebrows, if not losing their minds altogether. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams made the All-NBA Third Team, and let’s just say the Internet wasn’t exactly thrilled.
Despite a solid season and breakout performances, fans flooded social media with confusion, frustration, and some seriously spicy takes.
Jalen Williams’ All-NBA Nod Sparks Fan Meltdown
Williams had what many would call a breakout year. The third-year wing averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and a career-high 1.61 steals (seventh in NBA) in 69 games. His role as the Thunder’s second option behind league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was crucial to OKC finishing with the NBA’s best record at 68-14.
He was versatile, guarding multiple positions, and stepped up when injuries hit the frontcourt. He even made the All-Defensive Team alongside Lu Dort. So what’s the problem?
Fans just weren’t buying it.
One user posted in disbelief: “DOES THAT SAY JDUB ALL NBA LMFAOOOOOOO,” clearly shocked by the announcement.
DOES THAT SAY JDUB ALL NBA LMFAOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/Esvirr9kKS
— 𝔹𝕠𝕝𝕨𝕣𝕝𝕕 (@BolWrld)
Another called it flat-out foul, tweeting, “Jalen Williams all NBA disgusting.”
Jalen Williams all nba disgusting pic.twitter.com/KU3UnVpP0y
— Dylan🇦🇺 (@ozzydyl27)
Williams’ stat line is strong, no doubt, but many pointed to other players they felt were more deserving. “Garland, Zubac, and JJJ were all much more deserving of that spot than Jalen Williams man,” one fan argued.
Garland, Zubac, and JJJ were all much more deserving of that spot than Jalen Williams man https://t.co/xonNqlsZ3D
— Big Bob (@bobbydegoat)
That does come with receipts, though — Darius Garland had near-identical stats (20.6 PPG) but played 75 games, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 PPG) had better shooting splits with a 48.8 FG%.
One fan didn’t mince words: “How tf is Jalen Williams in all NBA this shits so rigged man.”
How tf is Jalen Williams in all NBA this shits so rigged man
— lmo19 (@wignolmko)
Another added with a mix of disbelief and laughter: “how was jalen williams all nba ?”
how was jalen williams all nba ? 😂
— Erick Beltran (@_erickbeltran)
Even fans who admire the Thunder’s rise weren’t letting this slide. “Jalen Williams is honestly shocking,” said one post, echoing the confusion seen across the board.
Jalen Williams is honestly shocking https://t.co/nUoRU81mIJ
— Klutch Sports lead janitor (@It_Aint_Serious)
Williams received 73 total points from the 100-person voting panel, including four second-team votes and 61 third-team votes. That was enough to earn him a historic honor: his first All-NBA selection, joining Gilgeous-Alexander as one of two Thunder players recognized this season. It’s the first time OKC has had multiple All-NBA players since 2019, when Paul George and Russell Westbrook pulled it off.
But for many fans, the milestone feels forced. They believe his rise is coming a bit too soon and that others, like Garland or JJJ, were left out unfairly.
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Still, there’s no denying Williams’ impact during the regular season. He was a major piece of a Thunder squad that led the league in point differential (12.9) and ranked top five in both offense and defense. He stepped up as a two-way force and grew into a reliable second star – no small feat. Is it enough to be All-NBA? That depends on who you ask.
