The Oklahoma City Thunder have continued to take steps forward in most facets of the game over the years, but play-making has been a question at times.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has remained a steady presence overall, but the Thunder have been in need of more players who can create for others.
Fortunately, it appears that Ajay Mitchell is ready to answer the call.
Ajay Mitchell helping to improve lackluster Thunder assist numbers
Mitchell is in the middle of a breakout campaign.
He is currently averaging 16.1 points per outing while shooting 46.1 percent from the field.
On top of this, the 23-year-old is clearly stepping up as a playmaker alongside SGA, as he is second in assists per contest on the Thunder with a mark of 3.8. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the charge with 6.6.
Beyond these two studs, the Thunder have serious questions when it comes to the topic of finding an open teammate.
Isaiah Hartenstein does a respectable job from the center position, and he is averaging 3.4 assists per game as a result. No other Thunder player is averaging over 3.0 assists per game, though.
With 26.6 assists per game overall as a team, the Thunder are 15th in the NBA. Their 60.4 assist percentage is 26th in the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently handled the load, but Oklahoma City could use another playmaker or two. Fortunately, it appears Mitchell is somewhat filling this void on his own.
The Thunder are talented enough that they realistically do not need to make a trade at the deadline, but if they choose to pursue a deal, then acquiring another guard with strong passing skills should be the priority.
Will the Thunder be able to repeat as champions as currently constructed? Oklahoma City's top-ranked defense and respectable offense should be enough to keep them in serious contention.
After all, this Thunder squad currently holds the best record in the entire NBA, and they have looked unstoppable at times.
Still, it is challenging to find a perfectly constructed roster in any sport. Even some of the best teams of all-time have had glaring uncertainties.
For the Thunder, there is no need to panic at the moment, especially with Ajay Mitchell continuing to make important contributions from a play-making standpoint. The assist conversation simply serves as a reminder that the Thunder are not perfect.
Mitchell and the Thunder will look to continue their domination on the league this Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.