Through one and a half seasons and 87 total games played (including regular season and playoffs) in the NBA, Ajay Mitchell is still finding ways to stand out on this star-studded OKC Thunder squad.
So much so, in fact, that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just recently admitted the sophomore has done more things on the floor this season than anyone else to have "made me stop and say 'Wow, that was nice."
Following Tuesday's revenge win over the San Antonio Spurs, while speaking with reporters, the MVP couldn't help but gush over Mitchell's play, describing him as being "very skilled" and as having "insane touch as a basketball player."
To no one's surprise, he finished the night by stuffing the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal on 50.0 percent shooting from the field while coming off the pine.
Since entering the association as the 38 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Santa Barbara product has only managed to exceed expectations. Now, here in the early stages of 2026, it appears he's left the game's best player borderline speechless with his level of production.
Thunder quietly roster one of game's best young players in Ajay Mitchell
Despite being selected in the second round of last year's draft, Mitchell has not only produced like one of the top players from his respective class, but also as one of the best young prospects the game has to offer.
Following up an under-the-radar rookie campaign where he finished fifth in three-point percentage (38.3) and first in defensive rating (100.0) among his first-year peers (minimum 30 games played), the 23-year-old has broken out here in year two with the reigning champions.
Through 39 games played, Mitchell is posting impressive all-around averages of 14.1 points (fourth among sophomores), 3.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals (first among sophomores) while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and boasting a plus-minus of +9.4 (second among sophomores).
Perhaps more impressive, among those who have seen 25 or more games this year, the point guard ranks fourth in defensive rating (101.3) and sixth in net rating (16.0).
And he's doing it while predominantly coming off the bench.
On top of all of this, in a rather quiet fashion, the point guard has become an even more ideal on-court partner for his superstar running mate than Jalen Williams this year, and, to some, is even mimicking Gilgeous-Alexander's style of play.
All things considered, it's hard to argue against the fact that the Thunder have found themselves yet another rising star within their midst in the likes of Mitchell, and both fans and the franchise should be absolutely elated.