Ajay Mitchell's Summer League Surge Gives Thunder Boost Amid Injuries
When Ajay Mitchell, a 23‑year‑old guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder lit up the Las Vegas Summer LeagueLas Vegas, Nevada last week, the buzz around Oklahoma City grew louder than the neon lights on the Strip.
Summer League Performance Highlights
Mitchell averaged a scorching 19.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over three games, shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc. In a 92‑75 win over the Orlando Magic on July 16, he dropped 27 points on 9‑of‑13 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, handed out four assists and added a block—all in just 28 minutes at the Thomas & Mack Center. A few days earlier, he posted 20 points and five rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets, helping the Thunder clinch a perfect 3‑0 record.
- Points per game: 19.7
- Assists per game: 6.3
- Rebounds per game: 3.7
- Three‑point %: 44.4
- Minutes per game: 26.1
Those numbers weren’t just flash – they validated the trust Mark Daigneault, the Thunder’s head coach, placed in the young guard after he logged minutes in the 2024‑25 NBA Finals.
Why the Thunder Need a Boost
The Thunder open the 2025‑26 season on Oct. 28 at the Paycom Center against a Houston Rockets squad led by Kevin Durant. But they’ll be missing All‑NBA wing Jalen Williams, who’s rehabbing wrist surgery, as well as rotation pieces Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams.
That backcourt hole has coaches scrambling for options. Mitchell’s Summer League display suggests he could shoulder a larger scoring and playmaking load, something the Thunder desperately need if they hope to repeat as champions.
Coaches and Management Weigh In
“Ajay’s a special prospect,” Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander said during the regular season, and the sentiment hasn’t faded. After the Magic game, Mitchell told The Oklahoman, “It’s been great. I missed a part of the season, so it’s always good to get reps and be able to play. I want to get better, and being here helps me do that.”
General manager Sam Presti has a track record of unearthing second‑round gems – think Gilgeous‑Alexander (11th pick, 2018) and Josh Giddey (6th pick, 2021). Mitchell, the 38th overall pick from UC Santa Barbara, is the latest addition to that pipeline.
What This Means for the 2025‑26 Campaign
Daigneault’s offense ranked first in the league last season, averaging 120.1 points per game. If Mitchell can translate his Summer League efficiency to the NBA floor, he could become a primary ball‑handler alongside Gilgeous‑Alexander, easing the burden on a depleted backcourt.
Analysts at ESPN project Mitchell to contend for 12‑15 minutes per game off the bench, with upside to crack the starting lineup if injuries linger. The Thunder’s coaching staff plans to give him a larger role in training camp starting Sept. 25, and reports suggest he’ll be featured heavily in preseason scrimmages.
Historical Context: Draft Picks Who Became Stars
Oklahoma City’s success with late‑round guards isn’t new. After Gilgeous‑Alexander morphed into a two‑time All‑Star, the franchise added Giddey, who now averages 15.4 points and 7.1 assists. Mitchell’s trajectory could mirror that path – a second‑rounder who blossoms into a core piece.
Even if he begins the season in a limited role, his Summer League numbers provide a clear “what‑if” scenario: a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and keep the Thunder’s offensive pace humming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Ajay Mitchell’s role change if Jalen Williams remains out?
Should Williams miss the first half of the season, Mitchell is poised to see his minutes jump to 15‑20 per game. Coach Daigneault has hinted that Mitchell could act as a secondary play‑maker, handling the ball in transition sets and providing a scoring punch when the Thunder need a spark.
What does Mitchell’s Summer League shooting percentage suggest about his NBA potential?
Shooting 44.4% from three‑point range in Las Vegas is a strong indicator that Mitchell can stretch defenses. While the sample size is small, it aligns with his rookie‑year 38.3% figure and suggests the skill set to thrive in Daigneault’s pace‑and‑space system.
How does Mitchell compare to other recent second‑round guards in the league?
Compared with players like Jordan Poole (33rd pick, 2019) and Jaden McDaniels (30th pick, 2020), Mitchell’s rookie defensive rating of 100.0 was among the best for his draft class. His Summer League stats place him in the upper tier of recent second‑round guards who have earned starter minutes within three seasons.
What are the Thunder’s expectations for the backcourt after the upcoming injuries?
Thunder insiders expect the team to rely heavily on Gilgeous‑Alexander’s scoring while rotating Mitchell, Joe and Kenrich Williams in a more versatile, switch‑heavy lineup. The coaching staff has emphasized “next‑man‑up” mentality, meaning Mitchell will be expected to contribute both offensively and defensively from day one.
