Coming into the season, there weren’t many new storylines surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their repeat championship pursuit, and the fact that they’d be bringing back essentially the same team. But quickly, we realized there would be one big difference: Ajay Mitchell.
In the 41 games Ajay logged during his rookie season, most were optimistic. Most saw the potential. But I don’t think anyone had “double figures in his first five games” on their bingo cards for Year Two.
Yes, through the first five games of the 2025–26 season, Mitchell is averaging 18.2 points per game, doing it with poise and calmness beyond his years. Despite what opposing teams are throwing at him, Ajay’s making things look easy out there, even with only a half-season’s worth of NBA experience under his belt.
“Working on every part of my game,” said Mitchell. “I want to be a complete player. Learning from all the guys. We have such an elite team, it’s been great to get this experience.”
From his game, attacking the rim, bumping defenders off-course like his teammate Shai, pump-faking defenders into oblivion, and finishing strong with both hands, Mitchell has stepped up in the absence of OKC’s deuce, Jalen Williams, and reliable role player Isaiah Joe, while widening the margin between himself and his draft buddy, Nikola Topic.
“Just getting stronger. When you get into the room, the first thing you really notice is how strong these guys are. For me, that was something I needed to work on.”
The question is, what happens to Ajay when those guys return? You can make the case that Mitchell’s been OKC’s third-best player so far, but is he Jalen Williams right now? Not quite. My belief? Mitchell’s minutes will inevitably drop. He’s averaged about 27 minutes per game through the first five, but I see that slipping to the 20–23 range once Williams returns. Still beneficial. Still vital to OKC’s quest to repeat as NBA champions.
On the flip side, Mitchell has made J-Dub’s return a little more laissez-faire, because offensively, he’s supplemented Williams’ production just enough to keep OKC afloat while playing a strategic, disruptive brand of defense.
Now, OKC faces the unique luxury of easing Williams back into action while sitting atop the league at 5–0. When Williams returns, expect him to be fully rested, in peak physical and cardio shape, and maybe even rocking a makeshift left-hand jumper after rehabbing his right wrist.
Williams is needed, though. Getting too excited about a 5–0 start is shallow thinking. At this point, the Thunder and their faithful know that squeaking by with sub-10-point wins won’t get them to the promised land. What we’ve learned is that OKC can stay afloat without Williams, but ascension requires him. He’s the difference between winning a game by six points in double-overtime and holding a comfortable lead wire-to-wire.
Mitchell, though, has added another layer of elite playmaking depth to an already stacked squad.
Off the court, he’s been just as sharp, putting together a handful of clean fits and further cementing OKC’s reputation as the NBA’s fashion capital. In just 46 professional games, he’s elevated every visible element of his profile.
Sam did it again.
