Unquestioned leader of the OKC Thunder second unit isn't the only new role Ajay Mitchell will be taking on during the 2026-27 season.
Recently, it was announced that the guard is set to serve as General Manager at his alma mater, UC Santa Barbara, with primary responsibilities including taking on an advisory role in support of the program and mentoring student‑athletes throughout their collegiate journey.
While most 24-year-olds with zero front office experience taking on such a high-end executive position may be a bit in over their head coming into the role, Mitchell clearly has the kind of luxury that could easily help make up for his greenness – the ear of Sam Presti.
Ajay Mitchell has storied Thunder executive to guide him in new role
Right in his corner is objectively one of, if not the best, front office executives the game has to offer.
From striking on a number of favorably lopsided trades and his incredible scouting skills that have led him to a number of all-time legends and diamond-in-the-rough rising star talents over the years (Mitchell being one of them) to his uncanny ability to gain and strengthen the trust of all his players, Presti is undoubtedly someone to take notes from.
Frankly, Mitchell would be far from the first person to come calling Presti for front office advice. Even executives in other sports, such as Andrew Berry of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, have been in talks with the Thunder architect seeking words of wisdom.
Excitingly enough, Presti clearly thinks Mitchell is already more than capable of crushing it as Santa Barbara’s GM on his own, as he said regarding the guard’s hire that he “has all the qualities to set a vision for his Alma Mater," specifically citing his “appreciation for the importance of relationships and commitment” as traits that should help him execute said vision.
These remarks coming from the man who has set this Thunder team up to be widely regarded as having the top front office in all of the NBA should only further excite fans of the program.
Mitchell spent three highly productive seasons suiting up for the Gauchos, earning ample accolades, including Big West Player of the Year and three straight All-Big West honors while leading the charge to a 2023 Big West Conference Championship.
It is because of his successes at Santa Barbara that Presti stresses that the program “holds so much meaning to him personally," and why he seems more than confident in his potential to lead them to new, exciting heights as GM.
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