Tip-off to the 2025 NBA Playoffs is right around the corner, and the OKC Thunder will need all hands on deck to embark on what many are hoping will be a long and prosperous title run.
Heading into the festivities, all eyes will be on the franchise's big-three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, as they will be leaned upon to lead the charge through the high-stakes postseason.
Of course, for Oklahoma City to make a title push, it'll take more than the services of just three players -- after all, basketball is a team sport.
Because of this, many secondary players will be looked to by coach Mark Daigneault to help provide game-changing contributions along the way.
And while the usual suspects of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Aaron Wiggins are all but guaranteed to see action on a nightly basis, during a recent media session the Thunder headman suggested that he may also be eyeing the services of one of the club's greenest players heading into this year's playoff expedition, as he said of rookie Ajay Mitchell:
"We need him to be ready, just like everybody else," Daigneault said. "There's things that he can bring to our team that are unique... I wouldn't be afraid to throw him in certain situations if the game called for it."
Ajay Mitchell may play notable role for Thunder during NBA Playoffs
Earlier in the season, Mitchell quickly established himself as one of the most productive and efficient players from the 2024 rookie class and reminded Thunder fans of just how successful GM Sam Presti has been over the years in plucking up second-round gems.
Through the first 34 games of the year, the 22-year-old was posting averages of 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 16.5 minutes a night while ranking first among his first-year peers in three-point percentage (43.1) and defensive rating (100.0), and placed second in net rating (9.1) out of those who had played in 30 or more games at the time.
Unfortunately, his steady ascent in the pros came to a screeching halt in early January when Mitchell sustained a toe injury that ultimately required him to undergo surgery and be shelved for three months.
On April 11, the guard officially made his return to the hardwood in a 145-111 blowout win over the Utah Jazz, where he dropped 9 points, 5 assists, and 1 steal on 50.0 percent shooting in just shy of 18 minutes of play.
Despite the impressiveness of his final stat line, however, during the contest, it was evident that the youngster was a bit sluggish and rusty, especially with his long-range shooting and defensive abilities, two attributes that helped him carve out a regular role within the rotation in the first place.
His follow-up performance against the Pelicans only further highlighted his struggles in these areas of play, as he would convert on just one of his seven three-point attempts and commit four fouls in just under 18 minutes.
However, despite this underwhelming production following his return, coach Daigneault still seems to have faith that Mitchell has the potential to have an impact on this team moving forward, even under the bright lights of the postseason.
If he can tap back into his pre-injury form, there's no question that the rookie could provide X-factor contributions for OKC.