The 2025 NBA Finals, which kicked off on Thursday night, features a captivating story for fans in Arkansas, highlighting players with local ties. The matchup consists of the Western Conference’s top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and the Eastern Conference’s fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers.
This year, two players hailing from Arkansas are competing for the title: Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe, both of whom have roots in Fort Smith. They attended Northside High School before joining the Arkansas Razorbacks, although they played at different times. Joe was with the Razorbacks from 2018 to 2020 before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. Williams played for coach Eric Musselman from 2020-2022, notably being part of the team that made back-to-back Elite Eight appearances.
Both Williams and Joe have played crucial roles for the Thunder as they’ve advanced through the playoffs. The Thunder’s roster also includes standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, born in Canada but connected to Arkansas through his participation with the Arkansas Wings in 2016 under the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. He later attended college at Kentucky under legendary coach John Calipari.
On the opposing end, the Pacers feature guard Andrew Nembhard and forward Isaiah Jackson, both former players coached by Calipari during their time at Kentucky, adding an intriguing narrative to this matchup.
The finals not only showcase elite basketball talent but also emphasize the impact that Arkansas has on the game, with many players taking their journey from high school through college and into the professional realm.
This exciting matchup serves as a reminder of the potential pathways for young athletes from Arkansas, as they continue to leave their mark on the NBA stage.