If you’ve ever scrolled through an NBA box score and felt like you were seeing double, don't worry. You aren't losing your mind. The question of how old is Jaylin Williams is actually a bit of a trick because, in the basketball world of 2026, there isn't just one guy with that name. There are two. And honestly, they both play the same position.
It’s the ultimate "Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man" meme.
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To give you the quick answer: Jaylin Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder is 23 years old. He was born on June 29, 2002. But if you’re thinking of the high-flying forward who spent five years at Auburn before moving into the professional ranks, he’s actually older. The Auburn Jaylin Williams is 25 years old, born on July 26, 2000.
The "J-Will" of OKC: Born in 2002
Let’s talk about the Jaylin Williams most people are looking for. He's the 6-foot-9 center/forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he stayed home to play for the Razorbacks before the Thunder snagged him in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Because he entered the league as a sophomore, he’s still quite young. At 23, he’s already a key part of that terrifyingly deep OKC core. He’s become famous for two things: taking more charges than a faulty iPhone charger and his infectious smile.
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What’s wild is that the Thunder also have Jalen Williams (spelled with an 'e'). That Jalen is 24. So, if you’re trying to keep the Thunder roster straight, just remember:
- Jaylin Williams (J-Will): 23 years old (Born June 29, 2002).
- Jalen Williams (J-Dub): 24 years old (Born April 14, 2001).
It’s a mess for announcers. Truly.
The Auburn Jaylin Williams: Born in 2000
Then we have the "other" Jaylin Williams. He’s a 6-foot-8 lefty who became the winningest player in Auburn Tigers history. Because he used his extra year of eligibility (the "COVID year"), he stayed in college much longer than his OKC counterpart.
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This Jaylin was born in Nahunta, Georgia. At 25 years old, he’s the veteran of the two. After a stint with the Denver Nuggets organization (Grand Rapids Gold), he's been grinding through the G League and international opportunities, recently finding a home with the Stockton Kings system.
It’s easy to get them mixed up because they are both power forwards, they are both roughly the same height, and they even share a similar playing style—smart, versatile, and high-energy.
Why Does This Matter for Fans?
Honestly, age is a massive factor in how we evaluate these guys. In the NBA, a 23-year-old like the OKC Jaylin is seen as a "developing asset." Teams look at his age and see another three or four years of physical growth and skill refinement.
When you look at the 25-year-old Jaylin from Auburn, the perspective shifts. At 25, you’re expected to be a finished product. You're the "pro's pro" who can step in and provide minutes right now.
Quick Age Comparison
- Jaylin Williams (OKC Thunder): 23 (Turns 24 in June 2026)
- Jaylin Williams (Auburn/Stockton): 25 (Turns 26 in July 2026)
Clearing Up the Confusion
If you’re trying to settle a bet or update your fantasy roster, always check the team city. If the Jaylin Williams you're looking at is wearing blue and orange and taking a charge in the paint, he’s the younger one. If he’s a lefty with a smooth mid-range jumper who recently left the SEC as a legend, he’s the older one.
The coincidence of two players with the exact same name (and another with a near-identical spelling) entering the league at the same time is one of those "only in the NBA" stories.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the 2026 injury reports for the OKC Jaylin; he’s been dealing with a nagging heel issue recently. For the Auburn Jaylin, check the G League transactions—he’s been one of the most consistent performers in the Stockton Kings' rotation and is a prime candidate for a 10-day contract call-up to the big leagues.