Jalen Williams addressed the narrative surrounding the number of people who attended the parade 👇

When it comes to the glitz and glamour of professional sports, few things stand out like the celebrations that follow a team’s significant achievement. Whether it’s a championship, a monumental win, or a career-defining moment, parades have long been a staple in celebrating success. But as we all know, not every victory is accompanied by a perfect narrative—especially when certain aspects, such as attendance, become a talking point. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, their most recent celebration—a victory parade—did not go without its share of chatter, particularly when it came to the number of fans who showed up to witness the team’s achievements.

And so, as the Thunder’s rising star Jalen Williams found himself at the center of this post-parade conversation, he took it upon himself to set the record straight, addressing the narrative that had emerged surrounding the crowd size and what that meant for the team’s future in Oklahoma City.

It’s no secret that Oklahoma City is considered one of the smaller markets in the NBA. The Thunder, since their arrival in 2008, have consistently defied expectations, becoming one of the league’s most successful franchises, especially in terms of player development and culture-building. Oklahoma City has earned a reputation for being a passionate, loyal fanbase, despite the city’s smaller size compared to the likes of Los Angeles or New York.

When the Thunder celebrated their most recent success—whether it was a playoff berth, a deep postseason run, or some other achievement—the expectation was that the parade would be a reflection of the team’s growing success, with thousands of enthusiastic fans lining the streets to witness the event. However, reality did not quite meet those expectations, and the turnout was the subject of much discussion.

Several major media outlets quickly seized upon the fact that the attendance at the parade seemed lower than what people might expect for a team with a young and exciting roster like the Thunder. The narrative that quickly spread suggested that this was indicative of Oklahoma City’s limited basketball market—perhaps a signal that the Thunder would struggle to maintain a top-tier presence in the league.

But as we all know, things aren’t always as simple as they seem. Jalen Williams, who has emerged as one of the core figures for the Thunder and one of the most promising young stars in the NBA, was not going to let the narrative around the parade turnout go unchallenged.

During a press conference following the event, Jalen Williams was asked about the narrative surrounding the size of the crowd at the parade. He responded with characteristic poise and candor, tackling the subject head-on while making a powerful point about the nature of the Oklahoma City fanbase and their relationship with the Thunder.

“I saw the chatter. I saw what people were saying about the crowd size,” Williams began, his voice steady and confident. “Look, Oklahoma City is different from the big markets. We may not have the same population as a Los Angeles or a New York, but that doesn’t mean we lack support. The people who were there at that parade, they’re the ones who truly matter. The Thunder’s fans are loyal, and they’re passionate. I can tell you that first-hand.”

Williams went on to acknowledge that while the crowd size may not have been as large as some had expected, the energy and support from the fans in attendance was nothing short of electric. For Williams, the smaller turnout didn’t diminish the significance of the event. In fact, it highlighted a deeper connection between the team and its supporters—a bond that can’t be measured simply by the number of people in attendance at a parade.

“There’s a sense of pride in this city, and I think a lot of the people who couldn’t make it still feel that same sense of pride,” he continued. “It’s not just about the parade. It’s about how we’re building something here. We’re building a culture, and the people who came to that parade are a part of that. We don’t need to be the biggest market to know we have something special.”

Williams’ comments reflect a broader theme that has long defined the Thunder: success in the NBA doesn’t always have to be about large crowds or global recognition. It’s about cultivating a sustainable, homegrown culture that resonates with the community and makes an impact on the court. For the Thunder, that culture is rooted in hard work, player development, and an unwavering commitment to building a championship-caliber team from the ground up.

Unlike some of the league’s other franchises, Oklahoma City has never been about the star-studded spectacle or the massive advertising budgets. Instead, the Thunder have focused on what’s essential: building a competitive, resilient team that can grow together over time. The fact that the team was able to have a playoff appearance with a young roster, featuring the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, speaks volumes about the strength of that culture.

Williams took the time to reiterate this point when asked whether he thought the Thunder’s smaller market would ultimately hurt their chances of competing for titles in the future.

“No, not at all,” he said firmly. “The smaller market is a motivator for us, not a hindrance. I love playing in Oklahoma City. Our fans, our community—they’re incredibly supportive, and they appreciate what we do on the court. That’s what matters to me. If we stay true to what we’re building here, then I know that success will come.”

While some may view Oklahoma City’s smaller population as a challenge, Williams and the Thunder’s leadership see it as an advantage. With a more intimate and focused fanbase, there’s room for growth that’s organic and rooted in genuine connection—rather than the constant media spectacle that often defines large-market teams.

The narrative surrounding the attendance at the parade also fails to account for a major factor: the loyalty of Thunder fans. It’s easy to assume that low attendance is a sign of disinterest, but a deeper look at the Thunder’s fanbase reveals a different story. The team’s supporters are fiercely loyal, and they’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over the years, from the championship-caliber teams of the early 2010s to the current rebuilding phase.

In a smaller market, it’s more common for people to go to work, take care of their families, and carry on with their daily lives instead of attending every public event or parade. It’s not a reflection of their passion for the team; rather, it’s a sign that their support runs deep in other ways. Many fans in Oklahoma City show their support by buying season tickets, attending games in person, and investing in the community in other meaningful ways.

Williams noted this dynamic as well, explaining, “It’s not always about showing up for the parades or the flashy stuff. Our fans are here with us every day—they show up to games, they buy merchandise, they talk about us on social media, and they’re incredibly supportive no matter what. That’s real loyalty.”

Indeed, there are numerous ways in which Oklahoma City’s basketball community shows up for the Thunder. The fact that many fans couldn’t make it to the parade doesn’t diminish their commitment or love for the team. Oklahoma City’s fanbase is loyal in ways that go beyond a single event.

As Williams alluded to during his comments, the future of the Thunder is not dependent on crowd size at a parade or the narratives pushed by media outlets. The focus remains on the team’s on-court performance, and right now, that performance is trending in an exciting direction. With a roster full of young stars—led by Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren—the Thunder are setting themselves up for success in the years to come.

The 2023-2024 season showcased a team that was growing together, with clear signs of promise on both ends of the floor. The Thunder were a formidable playoff contender, and despite a short postseason run, they earned the respect of fans, analysts, and peers across the league. The foundation for success is being built, and the eventual payoff is likely to come sooner rather than later.

For Williams, the journey is just beginning. He understands that the Thunder’s rise to the top will require time, effort, and patience—not only from the team but from the fanbase as well. And as he and his teammates continue to develop, they know that the support they’ve built in Oklahoma City will always be there, whether or not the crowd at a parade reaches the same numbers as some of the league’s other markets.

As Jalen Williams so eloquently put it, the future of the Thunder will never be determined by the number of fans at a single event. Instead, it will be defined by the team’s hard work, dedication, and resilience. The smaller crowd at the parade is just a footnote in the larger story of the Thunder’s potential.

As long as the team continues to play with the heart, intensity, and commitment that has defined their culture for years, there’s no doubt that the Thunder’s future in Oklahoma City will continue to shine brightly. And for Williams, who has quickly become one

of the faces of this young team, it’s clear that the journey ahead is one that will be filled with both challenges and triumphs.

“We’re building something special here in Oklahoma City,” he said. “And for those who are with us, we’re going to make it worth your while.”