In the landscape of NBA history, few teams have captured the imagination of basketball fans quite like the 2012 Oklahoma City Thunder. Young, electric, and filled with promise, the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden formed a core that seemed destined to dominate the league for years. Though their time together was short-lived, their impact left an indelible mark on the sport—and on a new generation of players, including rising Thunder star Jalen Williams.
Now a standout player in Oklahoma City, Williams has become one of the team’s most exciting young talents. As he continues to build his own path with the new-look Thunder, he frequently finds himself inspired by the legacy of that unforgettable 2012 squad. In interviews and in the way he carries himself on the court, it’s clear: Williams holds deep admiration for the trio that once lit up Chesapeake Energy Arena and came within reach of an NBA championship.
A Legacy That Still Echoes
“When you think about what KD, Russ, and James did that year—it’s crazy,” Williams said in a recent interview. “They were so young, but the confidence they played with, the energy, the chemistry—it was special. You felt like you were watching the future of basketball.”
And in many ways, he was. The 2012 Thunder stormed through the Western Conference, toppling the Mavericks, Lakers, and Spurs en route to the NBA Finals. Durant, Westbrook, and Harden were all under 24 years old at the time, but they carried themselves like veterans. Their ability to share the spotlight, each taking over when needed, created a dynamic rarely seen on such a young team.
That Thunder team ultimately fell to the Miami Heat in the Finals, but their story didn’t end there. Instead, it became one of the NBA’s biggest “what ifs.” Harden was traded to Houston months later, and though Durant and Westbrook would carry the Thunder to future playoff runs, the original trio never had a chance to finish what they started.
Inspiration for a New Era
For Jalen Williams, that bittersweet ending adds another layer of meaning. “It reminds me that nothing is promised,” he said. “You can have the best core, the most talent, but things change fast in this league. That’s why every moment matters.”
Williams, who was drafted in 2022, has emerged as one of the most polished and versatile young players in the league. His combination of scoring, defense, and high IQ play has drawn comparisons to all three members of the 2012 core. Like Durant, he’s long and silky smooth. Like Westbrook, he brings energy and explosion. Like Harden, he has a knack for reading the game and creating for others.
More importantly, though, Williams embodies a mindset rooted in teamwork—something he credits to watching the 2012 Thunder as a young fan. “They really trusted each other. You saw it in the way they celebrated together, the way they picked each other up. That’s something we’re trying to build here again.”
Thunder Reborn
The current Thunder team is a mix of talented youth and evolving chemistry. With Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and others forming the core, comparisons to the 2012 squad have become more common. And while each player is writing their own story, the echoes of that legendary trio are hard to ignore.
“Of course we hear the comparisons,” Williams acknowledged. “But we’re not trying to be the next KD, Russ, and James. We’re trying to be the best versions of ourselves. Still, there’s a standard they set that we try to live up to.”
That standard includes unselfish play, defensive grit, and a fierce desire to win—traits that Jalen Williams shows night in and night out. He often talks about how Durant’s smooth scoring made him fall in love with the game, or how Westbrook’s fire gave him a model for competitive spirit. Harden’s cerebral approach, Williams says, helped him understand how to slow the game down and make the right decisions under pressure.
A Personal Connection
The legacy of the 2012 Thunder isn’t just historical—it’s deeply personal for Williams. Growing up in Arizona, he watched those games with wide eyes, dreaming of one day making it to the league himself. Now, wearing the same jersey as his heroes once did, he feels the weight and pride of that connection.
“Sometimes I walk into the arena and just think, man—this is where it all happened,” he said. “The energy, the fans, the noise. I’m part of that story now, and that means everything.”
Williams has also had the chance to speak briefly with some of the 2012 stars over the years. “They’ve all been supportive,” he shared. “They want to see OKC succeed again. That shows the kind of bond this city creates. Once you’ve played here, it stays with you.”
Looking Ahead
As the Thunder continue their climb back into title contention, Jalen Williams is quickly becoming a pillar of the franchise. His respect for the past and hunger for the future make him a natural leader. And while championships are still a goal on the horizon, Williams knows he and his teammates are building something special—something that, with time, could rival the legacy of the 2012 Thunder.
“It’s an honor to follow in their footsteps,” Williams said, smiling. “But we’re here to make our own mark. And who knows? Maybe someday, a new kid will look at us the same way I looked at KD, Russ, and James. That’s the dream.”
