Thanks to a right wrist surgery, Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Jalen Williams is sitting out the first few weeks of the 2025-26 season. Though the absence of the rising star is hardly inconspicuous, it only means that the next man up would come from the Thunder bench. To that point, second-year guard Ajay Mitchell‘s breakout start has turned a lot of heads, as he’s showing a lot of potential as one of the team’s reserves.
As seen in the previous season, one of OKC’s biggest strengths is its second unit. From Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, to Cason Wallace, who all started at least 15 games in 2024-25, they’re stacked. With the Thunder now beginning their title defense, Mitchell building on his respectable rookie campaign and continuing to prove his worth is a good sign.
Fresh off scoring a career-high 26 points for the Thunder in their 2OT thriller against the Indiana Pacers, Mitchell is just getting started. Oklahoma City has a reputation for picking the best talents in the Draft, and it does seem they struck gold with the guard so far.
Ajay Mitchell Showcasing Potential With Thunder
Is He A Steal?
Selected 38th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 Draft, Mitchell found his way to the Thunder via trade. After exchanging the 40th pick for Mitchell, OKC eventually signed him to a two-way contract. As a rookie, Mitchell would have some impressive showings, especially as a playmaker. However, his first NBA season would get derailed after he underwent surgery for a turf toe sprain.
Despite missing months of action, the Thunder decided to take a swing and convert his two-way contract to a standard deal. The UC Santa Barbara product finished his rookie season averaging 6.5 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game, shooting 38.3% from 3 (36 games). He then suited up for Oklahoma City in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, playing 12 games in the Thunder’s championship run, albeit sparingly.
All of that being said, the Thunder have proven that they have a knack for developing young talents into elite players. Just look at how Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren have taken off. The core trio is already the league’s ‘next big thing.’ Ultimately, Mitchell being able to grow and develop alongside them is good news. That (and his draft position) may even help him be considered a draft steal.
Doubly Impressive
Mitchell was a strong performer for OKC off the bench in their first game of the season. In that 125-124 20T win against the Houston Rockets, he dropped 16 points, two assists, and two rebounds. He also shot 6-12 (50.0%) from the field and 3-6 (50.0%) from 3. When both Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren were on the bench, he provided a pivotal boost.
He did all this while only logging 15 minutes of action.
The biggest game of Mitchell’s career yet came in their win against the Pacers.
Ajay Mitchell’s offensive game blossoming before our eyes…
OKC’s depth is endless pic.twitter.com/5VqBNwnOcA
— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 24, 2025
With Oklahoma City unable to get much out of Holmgren, he was able to play second-fiddle to Gilgeous-Alexander. In 38 minutes, he amassed 26 points, four assists, and three rebounds. His point total and playing time were both career-highs. In fact, he played the fourth-most minutes in that 141-135 win for the Thunder, underscoring his potential to be a key piece in the defending champs’ rotation.
OKC is just two games into the season. Nevertheless, Mitchell is now averaging 21.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds on 48.4% shooting from the field. In short, he’s already looking like the breakout performer that the Thunder expected to show up.
What To Expect
Should Mitchell stay healthy, he’s definitely building a strong case for a promising season. He could very well be in the talks for Most Improved Player or the Sixth Man of the Year award. How cleanly he fits cleanly in the Thunder rotation is quite phenomenal. The fact that he’s just 23 means he’s well within their young core’s age bracket.
All in all, he’s genuinely looking good for the Thunder.
It’s safe to say that the OKC scouting department and the front office deserve their flowers. That they keep finding talents like Mitchell in the late first or second round of the draft speaks volumes. And, perhaps Oklahoma City really has found its next big star. If so, hoops fans have a whole season to watch how his game will grow.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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