The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers without Jalen Williams because Ajay Mitchell stepped into that second star role behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Fans saw him break out this season, but nobody expected this leap from the second-round draft pick. Mitchell had 28 points on 12 of 19 shooting from the field to close out the Lakers. He was the 296th highest-paid player in the NBA this season and looks like a star.
This was no fluke. He had 22 points to close out the Suns in the first round. The 6’4 guard averaged 22.5 per game against the Lakers, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. Mitchell looks unstoppable. He has been handling the ball, making plays, and running the offense. Whenever LA tried to take SGA out of the game, Mitchell stepped up against the Lakers.
The 23-year-old wasn’t part of the Thunder’s playoff rotation last year. He reached new heights when given a shot, but nobody expected him to be their second-leading scorer in the second round. It is even better as the Thunder owe him just $2.8 million per year for the next two seasons.
Ajay Mitchell is a star on the best contract in the NBA
Thunder fans can’t be shocked. Sam Presti is the best talent evaluator in the world, and Oklahoma City is elite at developing the players they bring in. Mitchell was the 38th overall pick in 2024, and nearly every NBA team passed on him. This wasn’t a lottery pick. Mitchell is another testament to the greatness of the Thunder.
Oklahoma City signed him to a three-year deal worth $8.7 million before his rookie year. Only $1.5 million of his $2.8 million is guaranteed for next season. It is by far the best contract in the NBA, and it could help the Thunder navigate their impending spending issues.
Mitchell just averaged 22.5 points per game in the second-round playoff series sweep of the Lakers. LA didn’t have Luka Doncic, but they were the third seed in the West for a significant stretch during the regular season. They are a formidable foe that the Thunder handled with ease.
Ajay Mitchell is a star player. He keeps proving that every time the opportunity arises. The Thunder have SGA and Jalen Williams. It has relegated Mitchell to the bench and a lesser offensive role, but just give him the shot. J-Dub’s hamstring injuries opened the door, and Mitchell continues to kick it down.
The defending champs officially have the best contract in the NBA to go with the most depth and the scariest roster. Every other team hates seeing Mitchell’s breakout. First, it makes them look bad for missing on him in the 2024 draft. To make matters worse, it gives the Thunder another star to turn to. That is the last thing they needed.
The Oklahoma City Thunder officially have a fourth star in Ajay Mitchell, and he is on the most team-friendly contract in the NBA. Credit to Sam Presti for finding another gem. It has been a joy to watch Mitchell break out, and nobody is calling it a fluke after his Game 4 destruction to sweep the Lakers.
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