Oklahoma City Thunder‘s Kenrich Williams sidelined after knee procedure
Kenrich Williams will be out of action for a while. The Thunder forward just had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and won’t be reevaluated for six to eight weeks.
This is tough news for one of OKC’s veteran players heading into the new season.
Williams, a 6-foot-7 forward who went undrafted back in 2018 from Texas Christian University, has become a key role player for the Thunder. The Waco native started his NBA journey with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds across two seasons.
His career took a turn when New Orleans traded him to Oklahoma City after the 2019-20 season.
He’s been with the Thunder ever since, making him one of the team’s longest-tenured players. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort have worn Thunder jerseys longer.
Last season, Williams contributed 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 games, starting seven of them.
The timing is especially unfortunate as the Thunder are coming off their first-ever NBA championship win in June.
Throughout his five seasons in OKC, Williams has been remarkably consistent. He’s averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting an impressive 49.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
He’s currently in the third year of a four-year, $27.17 million extension he signed during the 2022 offseason. The deal includes a $7.16 million team option for the 2026-27 season.
Hometown Hero
Williams’ impact extends well beyond the basketball court.
In August, his hometown of Waco, Texas honored him with the Key to the City – the highest recognition they could give. The ceremony took place during a City Council meeting on August 16, celebrating his role in the Thunder’s championship run.
Waco Mayor Jim Holmes praised Williams on social media: “We were honored to host a Champion in our most recent City Council Meeting, as Waco Native Son Kenrich Williams came back to Waco after starring in the recent Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Playoff Championship.”
The mayor added, “He was an outstanding student-athlete at Waco University High and Texas Christian University, and I was proud to present Kenrich with a Key to the City. A wonderful guy with a beautiful family; and a really cool Mom!”
Williams, who turns 31 in December, has made giving back to his community a priority.
He hosts annual youth basketball camps featuring himself and other NBA players, organizes block parties, and runs backpack giveaways and food drives.
“Just giving me the key to the city, it really means a lot to me,” Williams said at the ceremony. “I try my hardest to come back and give back as much as I can. For me to receive something like this is a true honor and a blessing.”
The city didn’t stop there. Mayor Holmes also declared August 5 as the official Kenrich Williams Day in Waco.
Now, as Williams focuses on his recovery, Thunder fans will be hoping their championship team can maintain momentum while awaiting the return of one of their most reliable veterans.
