With a superstar like OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander around, it's hard not to pick up a thing or two just from watching him.
Ajay Mitchell has been taking his studies seriously, as he is resembling a younger, left-handed version of the reigning MVP.
Mitchell has taken such massive strides this year that The Athletic's Es Baraheni couldn't help but compare his play to SGA's during a recent episode of NBA Daily.
"He plays like he went to the school of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when it comes to basketball. Very herky-jerky, knows how to get to his spots, especially in the mid-range area... he's actually in the top tier range of the league right now when it comes to paint touches. I think he has a very high ceiling," Baraheni said.
Ajay Mitchell's play style drawing comparisons to Thunder MVP
Like his mentor, Mitchell has been no stranger to the paint. The point guard is averaging 8.8 points in the paint, which ranks fourth among all non-starting guards.
His aggression when in possession of the rock has been paying off early. Mitchell is clearly getting recognition for the clear improvements he has made during the offseason.
From last year to now, he has brought his points per game averages up from 6.5 to 16.9, and he is shooting 91.8 percent from the free-throw line.
From the eye test, Mitchell has been as shifty as it gets on the floor. It seems like he is catching defenders on their heels every other possession.
Coach Mark Daigneault has entrusted him with a significant amount of work on the offensive end, as he is second on the team in usage, trailing only SGA.
On the defensive end, he might even be giving Shai a run for his money. He has a 98.6 defensive rating, while Gilgeous-Alexander sits at just 105.7.
He's also averaging 1.8 steals per game, with SGA averaging just 1.3.
During the Thunder's most recent outing against the Lakers, Mitchell worked in tandem with Cason Wallace to lock down the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as the two combined to shoot just 11-for-32 with a total of 32 points, 31.2 points under their shared season average.
Reaves and Doncic also turned the ball over a total of nine times.
Even though Mitchell has a long way to go to even come close to reaching Shai's level, he has taken massive strides in the right direction that have put him squarely in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award.
He currently has the ninth-best odds to win, but those could easily improve if he continues to run this second unit like an experienced vet.
With a mentor like Shai in his ear, it's hard to see Mitchell's improvement as merely a fluke.
He's obviously been watching and learning how the 27-year-old goes about his business, and, so far, it's paid off beautifully, vaulting him onto a faster trajectory than any of his peers.
In his sophomore class, he ranks third in points per game and usage, and first in net rating.
The only other players scoring more than him were second and fourth overall picks in the likes of Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle, respectively.
In just his second year in the league, it's safe to say that fans have yet to see the best of the young Thunder point guard. He is further cementing his status as a core member of OKC's rotation with every passing game and will likely play a significant role when they begin their title defense this postseason.