The Work Travels: Jalen Williams Takes His Game Global
2.5 Minute Read
By: Andrea Aruino
This past August, 2025 NBA Champion and NBA All-Star, Jalen William and Coach Packie Turner traveled to China for an Adidas Tour. Williams was instantly welcomed by enthusiastic fans when he arrived in Shanghai, and that enthusiasm continued throughout the tour as Williams hosted camps, made appearances on the City Walk, hosted a Q&A with fans and even had an exclusive shopping trip with the rapper GALI. The trip was an all around success for Williams as he was able to build his international brand and the awareness of the Oklahoma City Thunder after averaging 23.6 points, 5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in the NBA Finals.
Williams and Turner have been training together since Williams was preparing for the 2022 NBA Draft in Santa Barbara. They’ve stuck together from the time that Williams was drafted 34th overall all the way to the time he won his first NBA ring in just his third year in the league. Turner and Williams have created strong standards of what their roles are as player and player development coach. These are non-negotiables that have been the catalyst to their success.
“Going from draft prep to running clinics in Shanghai together is special because it’s proof: The work travels, the trust travels, and the impact travels. I’m grateful to be in the position I am and to have his trust and value the role he allows me to play for him. It’s special for sure,” Turner said.
While in China, they made sure to get their work in during slots of time that were not spent with the community. Williams is still currently working on strengthening his right hand which gives Turner and him the opportunity to further work on his left hand skills. During the offseason, Turner continuously reinforced the importance of setting up the same standard everyday whether in practice or in game. This included pacing, decision making, stops, and leadership.
“If he keeps stacking these habits the way he did all offseason, year four should look like a complete, winning season—more creation, more efficiency, more closing power,” Turner said.
Brand trips are meant to promote the brand and player but Williams took advantage to do more than just that. He made sure to show up in ways that allowed him to reach the community in ways you cannot accomplish through social media. The impact of working at youth clinics and being able to share and hear stories was impactful for the community of athletes who were eager to join Williams.
“A brand tour is more than promo; it’s a value check. Navigating a new culture, media market, and schedule sharpens leadership and communication. Players learn to represent themselves and their partners globally—skills that carry onto the court and into the locker room,” Turner said.
This trip encouraged mutual growth. With the upcoming NBA regular season officially starting next Tuesday, Williams aims to build on the foundation he and Turner strengthened during the offseason while continuing to rely on what’s proven effective in the past. Whether it’s showcasing his off-ball dominance or maintaining composure under pressure, he’s ready to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Williams embarks on his fourth year eager to use these skills and become a better leader for his teammates and coaches.
