The Oklahoma City Thunder were one win away from making the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. But injury issues and a lack of scoring punch alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander held them back. Chet Holmgren struggled on the offensive end, but in an ideal world, Ajay Mitchell can help prevent him from having to change up his game too much.
Obviously, the Thunder should want Holmgren to be more of an offensive threat. And even if Jalen Williams were healthy, they still probably would have needed a lot more from Holmgren on offense. But that’s where Mitchell could step up. If Mitchell can turn into a legitimate third-scoring option, then Holmgren would really be able to focus all of his energy on defense.
Having SGA, Williams, Mitchell, and even Jared McCain as scoring options would allow Holmgren to keep his head on defense and not worry about putting up too many points.
Ajay Mitchell's growth can help Chet Holmgren focus on defense
During the Western Conference finals, the Thunder (and SGA, in particular) were put into a brutal spot. They were down multiple bodies, and they didn’t have enough offense to go around.
Williams and Mitchell both missed a ton of time, so guys like McCain and Jaylin Williams had to step up in the scoring column. Holmgren should have, but he just wasn’t able to.
In the end, that proved to be too big a hurdle for the Thunder to overcome. They weren’t able to put enough points on the board to take down the San Antonio Spurs.
But what if Williams and Mitchell were healthy? Well, the Thunder would have had a much more well-rounded offensive approach. It still would have been a good game, but their offense would have been more prepared.
Williams is always going to help in the scoring column, but that still puts the Thunder in need of a consistent, go-to third option. Enter Mitchell. He seems ready to make that leap.
He was a great scorer for the Thunder all season, and had he been available in the playoffs, he could have definitely played that role for them. He just wasn’t on the court.
If Mitchell can consistently be the Thunder’s go-to third scoring option – and even second, if Williams misses time – then Holmgren won’t have to worry too much about the offensive end.
Mitchell’s growth and development as a scorer can help keep Holmgren’s focus on defense, the side of the ball on which he thrives.
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