WATCH: Ajay Mitchell discusses his rapid growth on defense over the past couple of seasons

Ajay Mitchell has taken massive leaps and bounds as a player on both ends of the floor for the Thunder since coming into the NBA. Rightfully, it is his offense that gets the most shine, but what he has become and shaped himself into on defense has been just as valuable in turning him into a legit two-way force that Mark Daigneault and the Thunder can trust in all types of situations.

Earlier today at Thunder training camp, Ajay was asked about what all has contributed to his improvement and growth as a defender.

“I think one of them is just being part of a team that's so good defensively. We had great guys. Like last year we had Lu, we have AC, we have Cason, we have Dub. We have great defensive players and that helps just learning from them and me just learning the game, getting stronger, and all that helps. Just being a competitor. I think defensively, at the end of the day, it comes down to competing.”