si
Since relocating to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as one of the NBA's premier talent evaluators in the draft. Under the guidance of general manager Sam Presti, the franchise has consistently unearthed high-impact players, from multiple MVP winners to a slew of All-Stars and valuable rotation contributors. Even in drafts considered weak in depth, the Thunder have managed to find hidden gems.
The 2024 NBA Draft was not projected to produce a large number of NBA contributors, especially compared to the anticipated 2026 class. Yet Oklahoma City managed to secure one of the few standout talents from that group. After selecting Nikola Topic and Dillon Jones in the first round, the Thunder chose Ajay Mitchell with the No. 38 overall pick. While Jones is no longer with the team and Topic has appeared in just 10 NBA games, Mitchell has developed into a crucial role player.
Mitchell's breakout campaign in 2025-26 showcased his potential. The former second-round pick averaged 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc. His postseason performance was even more impressive: in the second round against the Los Angeles Lakers, he put up 22.5 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game on 56.3% shooting from the field. However, an injury early in the series against the San Antonio Spurs dealt a significant blow to Oklahoma City's offense.
Key Analysis
In a recent redraft of the 2024 NBA Draft, writer Derek Parker placed Mitchell as the No. 4 overall pick, behind Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, and Matas Buzelis. Mitchell and Jaylen Wells were the only second-round picks to crack Parker's lottery redraft. Following his breakout season, Mitchell, a former UC Santa Barbara standout, is poised to take on an even larger role for the Thunder in 2026-27. With Lu Dort traded to Atlanta, a starting lineup spot has opened up, and Mitchell is a prime candidate to fill it. Additionally, Jared McCain was slotted at No. 12 in Parker's redraft, further highlighting the depth of the 2024 class.