OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Ajay Mitchell is the latest diamond the Thunder have created.

The 6-foot-4 guard from Belgium played just 36 regular-season games as a rookie last season because of a turf toe injury, then got limited action in the playoffs during Oklahoma City’s run to the NBA title.

Now, the second-round pick in 2024 is general manager Sam Presti’s latest success story. This season, in five games, he is averaging 18.2 points as a reserve on 47% shooting from the field. He has played a critical role in Oklahoma City's 5-0 start while 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams recovers from surgery on his right wrist. He’s handling the ball often, even when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the reigning MVP and scoring champion — is on the floor.

Gilgeous-Alexander said Mitchell's talent and offseason wo

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