Analysis: How Kenridge Williams journey shapes the Thunder s winning culture

Kenridge Williams has gone through a crazy journey in the NBA journey.

While waiting for the NBA playoff second round opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder showed their cute side on social media and received praise from the Memphis Grizzlies. However, for the "imperfect" Thunder team coached by Mark Dagenot, the offseason is not stagnant. Everything about the team is committed to creating a championship culture so that everyone can feel that they have a fair judgment on the end result. Each role player is allowed to show himself and show initiative when winning a chance to win. Kenridge Williams led ClutchPoints through this process and also went through more stages of his career before a fourth big win and sweep the first round of the series.

Williams has built a seven-year NBA career with his little bits and pieces around stars such as Shay Gilgers-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Defensive blocking, scrambling and selfless basketball are Kenny Hasle's strengths, and he also has some elite bench players to provide energy support to the starting five Tigers. In an exclusive interview, the 30-year-old from Waco reviewed his journey from Texas Christian University to the Oklahoma City Thunder and thanked the team for the warm environment that allowed him to play freely while chasing the championship.

"This journey was long, but it was great. I'm so grateful for where I am now," Williams said. "I feel so lucky to be on this team."

As for the nickname that is comparable to the NBA All-Star, Hall of Fame?

"Yeah, (Kenny Hassle's nickname) started at Texas Christian University," Williams shared. "My way of playing has always been lingering in my heart. From the New Orleans Pelicans to the Oklahoma City Thunder, this has been the case for seven years."

Kenny Hearst has won the love of fans in every stop with his unremitting vitality and team-first spirit. While his career statistics (6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 36.5% 3-point shooting percentage) are not eye-catching, his influence resonates greatly in the locker room and on the court.

Recalling his reality as a role player, Kenridge Williams remains down-to-earth and grateful, and also commends the contributions behind the scenes to the team's success, especially as they advance to the NBA playoffs.

"The effort we put in behind the scenes, the game video we watched, the efforts of the coaches to prepare for the game and the (NBA playoff) series are all easy to overlook," Williams explained. "The efforts (Mark Dignot's team) have put in behind the scenes have made our work much easier. We are free to play and execute the game plan."

Now, Williams has been playing for the Thunder for his fifth season (306 games and is continuing), and in a system that encourages self-expression, Williams feels free. Unlike the roles that made him feel restrained in the past, Oklahoma City’s culture encourages players to show their personality, which is a sign of the team’s noble character. No need to check the rankings, anyone can feel the confidence and determination of this team.

Williams particularly emphasized the trust within the team, allowing players to fully utilize their strengths and not be restricted by their roles.

"A lot of times, it's hard to express yourself freely when you're stuck in a character," Williams admits. "I'm grateful that the team allows us to be ourselves and play our own style. It's part of our culture, and part of the type of players we have, and the quality players we have. Like I said, it's thanks to the trust the coaches have in us, and they allow us to play our own style."

Forget the playing time and the number of shots that make up most childhood NBA dreams. From the New Orleans Pelicans’ undraft rookie to an important part of the Thunder’s championship roster, Williams cherishes the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

"As far as my career goes," Williams said, "I am very grateful to be on this team and have the opportunity to compete for the championship."

Stop dreaming. There are only 12 wins left to pick up (and wear) the NBA Finals Championship Ring. Just don't mention this in the Thunder's locker room. No one will be unlucky, nor will they focus on the next training. Mark Dagnott will have a few days to reveal his next NBA playoff opponent. Players like Kenridge Williams and Carson Wallace are responsible for keeping Shay Gilgers-Alexander, Chet Homegren and Jaylen Williams in form before the first game of the next playoffs.

is worthy of the nickname of "Kenny Hasle", and Williams promises to continue working hard to help the Thunder achieve their ambitious NBA Finals goals.