Thunder Media: A Backcourt Opportunity Has Opened Up, and Ajay Mitchell Should Get More Playing Time - NBA News

Sept. 10 — Thunder media outlet ThunderNationCP posted:

The Thunder are currently facing a difficult rotation decision... but this is the kind of happy problem every championship contender wants to have.

Ajay Mitchell is entering the third season of his career, and for the Thunder, where he ranks on the depth chart may no longer be the most important factor.

Last season, Mitchell made significant progress:

- 13.6 points per game

- 3.6 assists per game

- 3.3 rebounds per game

- 34.7% three-point shooting

With Luguentz Dort leaving, an opportunity has opened up in the team's backcourt.

Cason Wallace has the advantage on the defensive end, while Mitchell can provide a different type of value: he is another ball-handler who can attack the rim and ease the pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

This ability makes him suitable for a starting role;

it also allows him to have greater impact as a primary offensive option off the bench.

The Thunder's biggest question may no longer be whether Mitchell should have a consistent role,

but rather how much opportunity he should receive.

If Mitchell takes another step forward, the Thunder will add another young contributor whose ceiling is much higher than outside expectations.

In his third season, Ajay Mitchell may deliver performances that make it difficult for the team to take him off the court.

Source: Instagram