Kenrich Williams

Williams is an American forward who has built an NBA career as a hustle player, rebounder, and defensive specialist since going undrafted in 2018. He has played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder, winning an NBA championship with the Thunder in 2025.

Born Kenrich Lo Williams on December 2, 1994, in Waco, Texas, he attended University High School and averaged 14.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals as a senior. He did not receive a single Division I offer out of high school and attended New Mexico Junior College, averaging 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds as a freshman. He was recruited to TCU, which had gone winless in conference games the previous season.

At TCU, Williams averaged 8.6 points and 6.7 rebounds as a sophomore. He missed the entire 2015-16 season due to a knee injury. As a fourth-year junior, he averaged 11.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, led the Big 12 with 19 double-doubles, and recorded the first triple-double in TCU history with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in the 2017 NIT. He was named NIT MVP after posting 25 points and 12 rebounds in the championship game against Georgia Tech. As a senior, he averaged 13.2 points and 9.3 rebounds and was named Second Team All-Big 12. In 2024, TCU retired his number 34 jersey.

After going undrafted in 2018, Williams signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018. On November 24, 2020, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a four-team deal. He won an NBA championship with the Thunder in 2025.

Williams is an energetic forward with elite rebounding for his size, defensive hustle, and a willingness to take on tough assignments. He scores on cuts, putbacks, and transition opportunities, and he uses his length to guard multiple positions. His offensive game is not built on volume shooting, but his rebounding and defensive energy make him a valuable rotation piece.

Williams enters each season as a veteran forward with an NBA championship and a unique college pedigree. His trajectory from a player without a Division I offer to an NIT MVP, an undrafted free agent, and a championship-winning contributor reflects persistence, defensive tenacity, and a willingness to embrace a role built on hustle and energy.