NBA Notes: Thunder, Jalen Williams, Blazers, Jrue Holiday, Knicks

Thunder

The Thunder may be getting a key piece back at just the right time.

Forward Jalen Williams said he’s trending toward a healthy return from a left hamstring strain, sharing an update on his YouTube channel, as relayed by Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

And the timing worked out.

Oklahoma City’s second-round sweep of the Lakers bought Williams extra recovery time — something he made clear he wasn’t going to waste.

“I haven’t had to rush back,” Williams said. “I’m actually taking extra days now because we were up 3-0. There was no point in risking it.”

The 25-year-old last played April 22, when he suffered the injury in Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns. It’s been a stop-and-start year overall, limited to 33 games because of wrist surgery and multiple hamstring issues.

When he’s been on the floor, though, he’s produced — 17.1 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in the regular season. He was even better early in the playoffs, averaging 20.5 points on 61.5 percent shooting in the first two games of that Suns series.

With or without Williams, Ajay Mitchell has carved out a role as a secondary ball-handler and should continue to see minutes in the conference finals, Martinez added.

Trail Blazers

Veteran guard Jrue Holiday isn’t looking to go anywhere.

After the Trail Blazers were eliminated by San Antonio, Holiday made it clear he hopes to be back next season, via Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.

“I don’t like being traded,” Holiday said. “I like building something and going through it with a team. I’d love to be here.”

Portland gave him a chance to do that, even if the season had its ups and downs. Freeman noted injuries and some untimely turnovers were issues for the 35-year-old, though the overall impact aligned with what the Blazers expected when they acquired him.

Around the league, scouts still see value — particularly in what Holiday brings off the court.

One scout told Freeman that while the contract may be steep, Holiday’s presence could be invaluable for young guard Scoot Henderson and a developing roster.

Knicks

The Knicks have a big decision looming. And it starts in the middle.

Center Mitchell Robinson is headed toward unrestricted free agency, and keeping him should be a priority after another strong postseason, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

Teammates aren’t shy about his value.

“It feels like every year Mitch just gets better,” guard Miles McBride said. “When it’s time for him to show up, he shows up.”

Robinson’s impact goes beyond the numbers — offensive rebounds, rim protection, extra possessions. The kind of stuff that shows up in playoff wins.

The catch is financial.

Re-signing Robinson could push New York into the second tax apron next season, something that may hinge on how far this current run goes.

There’s also outside interest. The Sacramento Kings are viewed as a potential suitor, though they’d need to clear significant salary to make a real run at him.

General manager Scott Perry has history here, as he was in the Knicks’ front office when Robinson was drafted in 2018.

So yes, plenty still to be decided. But one thing is clear. Robinson has made his case.