Why is Jalen Williams Ditching the Uniform for Fan-Made Jalen Williams Mark Daigneault Shirts?
Jalen Williams has added a unique touch to his Oklahoma City Thunder pregame routine. Over the last few months, the 23-year-old has swapped the team’s traditional warmup gear for fan-made Jalen Williams Mark Daigneault Shirts that celebrate his teammates and head coach, Mark Daigneault. It’s one more way the second-year wing has wholeheartedly embraced the Thunder community.
Jalen Williams warming up with Mark Daigneault shirt pic.twitter.com/Z218M9qgTs
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 25, 2024
“I just think it’s cool,” Williams said. “People send me these amazing shirts to my P.O. Box, and wearing them is my way of showing love to both the fans and my team.” He’s already sported designs featuring Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and even a group cover shot from SLAM magazine.
Williams’ popularity soars both on and off the court. As OKC‘s second-leading scorer, he’s quickly becoming one of the league’s brightest young stars. Off the court, his down-to-earth personality and social media presence make him incredibly relatable. Williams knows that games can be a special escape for fans who may be facing their own challenges.
This empathetic approach aligns perfectly with the Thunder‘s team-wide philosophy, instilled by GM Sam Presti. Presti makes sure the players understand the effort and sacrifice that everyday families make to attend a game, humanizing the fans who cheer them on.
“We can sometimes forget that people look up to us,” Williams said. “You never know whose life you might touch, especially here, where the fans do so much to support us.”