Ajay Mitchell stepped up big for the OKC Thunder during this year's postseason, slotting into the starting five for most of their run while All-Star Jalen Williams was sidelined due to yet another nagging hamstring strain.
With his performance, many are now convinced that the sophomore is a star in the making, and, based on the eye-test and counting stats, it's hard to argue against such a belief.
However, regardless of how well he played as a member of the first five rotation throughout the playoffs, once everyone's fully healthy during next year's campaign, coach Mark Daigneault and company must commit to their usual starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort/ Cason Wallace, J-Dub, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Unfortunately, this would inherently mean Mitchell, due to no fault of his own, would be on the receiving end of a rotational demotion.
Ironically, this could lead to yet another career-best campaign for the youngster in 2026-27.
Ajay Mitchell needs to be the unquestioned sixth-man for Thunder
If Mitchell were to remain in the starting lineup moving forward, that would only guarantee his talents would be restricted, thanks to the sheer fact that there are so many other established star players around him.
Gilgeous-Alexander, J-Dub, and Chet are without question the focal points of Oklahoma City's offensive game plan, and clearly need the lion's share of touches when out on the floor.
Of course, when off of it, the Thunder need someone to take over the bulk of their workload.
Mitchell should absolutely be seen as the number one guy for the job.
In his 41 games coming off the pine this past season, the 23-year-old actually only averaged less than two fewer points per game (13.1) than he did as a starter (14.0) and averaged roughly just one fewer attempt.
All in all, not that much different from a production standpoint. Of course, lessening the competition for touches around him and moving him to the bench for good would certainly impact the way in which he would approach said opportunities.
Considering how he proved to be a highly reliable offensive initiator in year two, by the time year three rolls around, the Thunder should feel more than comfortable giving Mitchell free rein as the unquestioned leader of the second unit.
Such a role could not only prove invaluable for Mitchell's confidence and overall development, but also for giving the club's Big Three ample time to rest on the bench, as coach Daigneault could feel confident that the offensive production could be sustained without them.
On top of all this, cementing him as Oklahoma City's lead guy coming off the bench could open the door for adding extra hardware to his collection, as On SI's Grayson Buchanan recently argued the young guard could easily have a shot at taking home the illustrious Sixth Man of the Year award, an honor he just finished fifth in the running for.
With all of this in mind, having his time spent in the starting lineup next season could actually prove to be a huge boon for Mitchell.
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