Oklahoma City, OK - Teammates of the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly Chet Holmgren, are vocalizing strong opinions about Ajay Mitchell, a player whose draft position is now being scrutinized following his impressive performance. Holmgren, speaking with ESPN's Malika Andrews, did not mince words, calling Mitchell a "star" and suggesting his late-round selection was a significant oversight by other NBA organizations. The implication from Holmgren is that teams missed a critical opportunity, potentially costing themselves valuable assets and strategic advantages.
Mitchell, a guard, has emerged as a critical component for the league-leading 25-2 Thunder. His rookie season already hinted at his potential, with a 38.3% three-point shooting percentage and a leading defensive rating of 100.0 among eligible first-year players. This sophomore campaign sees him solidify his impact, ranking fifth on the Thunder in Player Impact Estimate (PIE) at 12.3, net rating at 18.6, and plus-minus at 10.6. With Mitchell on the floor, the Thunder's point differential sits in the 98th percentile (+20.1), and their defensive efficiency against opponents is in the 99th percentile (100.4 points per 100 possessions).
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PERCEPTIONS OF MITCHELL'S ASCENSION
Holmgren's assessment places Mitchell in an elite category, a third "star" alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. This viewpoint suggests a trajectory that extends beyond current recognition, with Holmgren firmly believing Mitchell's ceiling is far from reached. The sentiment suggests a collective "kicking themselves" from the rest of the league for letting OKC acquire such talent so late in the draft. This observation stems from Holmgren's intimate knowledge of Mitchell's work ethic, having seen his potential "since before they became teammates." Holmgren explicitly stated, "I can tell he's a hooper — he's a worker."
STRATEGIC AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Mitchell's impact is not just statistical but also strategic, particularly in light of the league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). While many championship contenders eye the trophy with one eye and their payroll with the other, the Thunder appear to be an exception. Mitchell's cost-efficient contract, coupled with the team's draft capital, positions OKC favorably to avoid the crippling penalties associated with the new fiscal agreement, especially the "second apron." Mitchell's play is presented as a key factor in the Thunder's long-term viability and ability to build a sustained era of success, directly counteracting financial pressures that plague other franchises.
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HOLMGREN'S PRIOR BELIEF AND COMPETITIVE FRAMEWORK
The notion that Mitchell was underestimated is not new for Holmgren. He has apparently held this view of Mitchell's capabilities even before they were NBA teammates. This perspective challenges the typical scouting and evaluation processes within the league. Holmgren's comments about the grind behind NBA achievements, such as titles and All-Star nods, in a recent piece from The Spokesman-Review, underscore his understanding of the unseen effort required for success. This underlying philosophy likely informs his keen observation of Mitchell's development and dedication.
"I'm sure some jobs were lost for that one." - Chet Holmgren, on Ajay Mitchell's draft position.
"Yeah, he’s looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight. If he is keeping him like that, I hope they give [MVP] to him this year for sure." - A comment from the Hoops Rumors article, reflecting the high regard for Mitchell's performance.
Mitchell's statistics this season include 15.0 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He has also reportedly "carried that over to this season" regarding shooting when open. The Thunder are currently on a 13-game win streak, a testament to their collective performance.
