This past offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a couple of upgrades. Acquiring Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency and trading for an elite role player in Alex Caruso. OKC was recognized as having one of the best off-seasons in the league. 

However, 29 games into the 2024-25 season, it’s looking like OKC has found another hidden gem.

Ajay Mitchell, selected in the second round (38th overall) during the 2024 NBA Draft, has been a true under-the-radar player within coach Mark Daigneault’s scheme during these early stages of the season.

A product of injury-induced opportunities, this short-handed Thunder team has given the two-way guard opportunities to step up and be a key part of their rotation. 

The rookie has stepped up and risen to the opportunity to the Thunder’s benefit. 

Rookie Ajay Mitchell Is The Biggest Surprise For The OKC Thunder

While his stats may not stand out nor blow you away, he’s putting up averages of 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, and it’s the effectiveness and efficiency with which he’s producing deserves attention.

In 15.6 minutes per game, Mitchell is shooting 51.1 percent from the floor and 44.7 percent from beyond the arc, which ranks fourth and second among rookies. 

On top of these traditional statistics, Mitchell clearly stands out among his rookie peers, as he is among the top in offensive rating (108.4), defensive rating (98.8), and net rating (9.5) among qualified rookies. 

What makes all of this more impressive is the fact that this two-way rookie has this much trust from the coaching staff and his teammates — on a contending team. Mitchell certainly won’t be on a two-way contract for much longer. 

Sam Presti’s Latter Draft Picks Resume 

GM Sam Presti has continued to build a strong resume on finding hidden gems. 

Since taking over the organization in 2007, Sam Presti has hit on numerous later picks and under-the-radar pickups. From Serge Ibaka (24th overall pick) in 2008 to the more recent success stories of Lu Dort (undrafted) in 2019 and Aaron Wiggins (55th pick) in 2021. Sam Presti’s scouting track record is impressive, and it’s one of the reasons why he is arguably the top GM in the NBA. 

End Of My Thunder Rant

In conclusion, Ajay Mitchell is currently on his way to joining the Thunder’s list of hidden gems, as his early-career production suggests that this is the latest case of this Thunder front office striking gold yet again.