Coming into the season, many were predicting that OKC Thunder big man Chet Holmgren would find himself thrust into the conversation of Most Improved Player come campaign's end.
Considering he is now nearly a year removed from his right iliac wing fracture and spent the entire summer exciting fans and pundits alike with his aggressive training regimen, the writing appeared to be on the wall regarding his candidacy for the award.
Now, halfway through the first month of action, it would seem the hype surrounding Holmgren has been more than warranted, as he's producing at career rates with averages of 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting 56.9 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from deep.
Without question, the 23-year-old is deserving of inclusion in early discussions about possible MIP candidates. However, in a shocking turn of events, it appears Holmgren may not even have the best odds on his own team to take home the hardware at this point.
Ajay Mitchell may have best case to win MIP among Thunder peers
Outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell may, in fact, be the most highly buzzed-about player currently playing for the Thunder through these early stages of the season.
Following a solid rookie year where he posted averages of 6.5 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 rebounds while ranking fifth in three-point percentage (38.3) and first in defensive rating (100.0) among his first-year peers who logged a minimum of 30 games played, the former second-round selection has taken off into rising stardom thus far into his sophomore season.
Through six games played, Mitchell currently finds himself doubling and, in some cases, even tripling many of his previous counting stats, as he's logging a whopping 18.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals a night while boasting a plus-minus of +4.5.
Though still incredibly early into the season, Mitchell's stock has already risen as a legitimate Most Improved Player candidate, as he's currently tied with the likes of New Orleans forward Trey Murphy III and Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama in the odds department for the illustrious honor.
Interestingly enough, Holmgren's name is nowhere to be found.
Even without the potential individual accolades that come with the guard's astonishing breakout, Mitchell's play has been truly special and, with guys like Jalen Williams and Nikola Topic sidelined due to their respective health ailments, has been a huge boon for the somewhat short-handed Thunder.
Hopefully, this production will play a key role in Oklahoma City becoming the first repeat champion since the 2018 Golden State Warriors, and along the way, perhaps it'll help the second-year guard take home the George Mikan Trophy for himself as well.