The Oklahoma City Thunder had their second championship celebration of the summer, only this one didn’t involve any basketball. Veteran guard Alex Caruso tied the knot with longtime partner Haleigh Broucher on Saturday night, August 9, and the wedding turned into a mini-OKC reunion. Several members of the Thunder’s 2024-25 title-winning squad showed up and showed out. Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Lu Dort, and Branden Carlson were all there, posing for photos and flashing their championship ring fingers.

The vibes were high, and social media caught every moment. NBA Reddit was flooded with screenshots, compliments, and inside jokes from Thunder fans reliving the glory of a perfect summer. But there were two names missing from every photo. No Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams. Caruso’s first year in OKC ended in a championship, and the squad clearly built strong bonds during that title run. The Thunder players who attended the wedding brought energy and brotherhood to the celebration. It felt like a team moment. Except the two biggest stars weren’t there. But Jalen “JDub” Williams didn’t just miss the wedding. He missed the continent. 

According to a video posted by @BrandonRahbar on X, JDub touched down in Shanghai at 1 AM local time and was met by a crowd of fans shouting “OKC!” as he exited the terminal. The clip went viral among Thunder faithful, with hundreds of Chinese fans holding signs, cameras, and wearing Thunder jerseys to greet him. adidasHoops reposted the scene, proud of the international pull their rising star just displayed.

Back in North America, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t idle either. The MVP was honored in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, with a full-on city celebration. It was officially named “SGA Day.” He received a key to the city, had a street named in his honor, and delivered a powerful line to a packed crowd at Tim Hortons Field, “You can do anything you want to do… especially if you’re from Hamilton!”

Photos, jerseys, autographs, and chants made it clear that this wasn’t just a local hero coming home; it was a cultural moment for a generation of Canadian hoopers. Likewise, Jalen Williams isn’t just hooping anymore; he’s building a brand.

Williams’ Adidas commitment crashes OKC celebration

Jalen Williams’s trip to Shanghai was part of a global push from Adidas Basketball, which unveiled the Harden Vol. 9 “JDub” PE colorway earlier this summer. It’s the first sneaker to carry Williams’ personal branding, his “JDub” signature logo stitched onto the heel, and his jersey number (#8) printed on the tongue. The colorway is bold, white base, Lucid Lime and Lucid Pink overlays, with purple accents paying tribute to Pinky and the Brain, JDub’s favorite childhood cartoon. Fans first saw the sneaker during OKC’s regular-season win over the Utah Jazz on Feb. 21, when Jalen faced off against his younger brother Cody. Since then, the shoe has picked up steam, even getting worn by teammates like Lu Dort and Adidas star James Harden himself.

The sneaker officially released on June 6 for $160, right after Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It’s available through adidas.com and select retailers. But the real story is what it represents. Williams has been part of the Adidas family since entering the league. Now he’s their next big bet. Adidas AG, with a market cap of nearly $27 billion USD, is looking to the Thunder’s breakout star as the face of its next generation. From lifestyle campaigns to global tours and this PE drop, JDub is being positioned for long-term success off the court.

According to Adidas Basketball Sports Marketing Director Cam Mason, “Charisma, personality, fashion sense — that alone drew us to him… He has so much influence and so much persona. He can connect with anybody.” Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing Caruso’s wedding wasn’t about a lack of team chemistry. It was about timing and about obligations. Both players are now in that rare air where basketball and business move together. JDub is becoming Adidas’ next flagship athlete. Shai is becoming a national icon in Canada. Both are bigger than just basketball players.

The Thunder will be back together soon enough. Ring night is scheduled for October 21 when OKC opens the 2025-26 season at home against the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant. Until then, the rings on their fingers may be the only things keeping them in sync.