Oklahoma City’s versatile guard is just scratching the surface. Sam Presti details how physical growth and untapped defensive potential could transform the rookie into a dynamic two-way threat.
There’s a lot to like about what Ajay Mitchell has shown the Oklahoma City Thunder so far. But according to Thunder general manager Sam Presti, we may not have seen the best version of Mitchell yet.
Asked what another level could look like for the young guard, Presti didn’t point to just one thing. Instead, he talked about a player who is still figuring out exactly what he can become.
“Well, I think there's more than one. I think he's a work in progress. He, like a lot of other guys on our team, we lost him for a majority of his rookie year and then certainly a crucial period of time in the Playoffs last year and even a big portion of the regular season.
“I think he has less game experience than he has NBA experience, if that makes sense. So every opportunity he has to play he's going to improve and get better.
“I mean, I just think he has the potential to be a really solid defender, in addition to being dynamic offensive player.
“He's gotten much stronger, and that will allow him to be more physical, more durable. I think he's an underrated passer. He can play with anybody. That's the thing I like about him a lot.
“When I was watching him on film during college early in the year, that was a theme that jumped out to me. He can play anywhere. He can play with the ball. He can play without the ball. He's just a very useful player, and he's driven by winning. So those are really great ingredients to start with and I think will continue his trajectory.”
That last part might be the most telling.
Mitchell doesn't need to have the ball in his hands every possession to make an impact. He can create with the ball, move without it, make plays for teammates and defend. For a team like Oklahoma City, that kind of versatility is valuable.
And Presti believes Mitchell's physical development could unlock even more of his game.
Mitchell has gotten stronger since entering the NBA, something Presti said should allow him to play with more physicality while also helping him withstand the grind of an NBA season. Defense could become another major part of his game as he continues to get comfortable at this level.
But perhaps the biggest thing working in Mitchell's favor is simply experience.
His development hasn't followed a perfectly normal path. He missed a large portion of both his rookie and last season, along with an important stretch of the regular season and playoffs. As Presti put it, Mitchell has “less game experience than he has NBA experience.”
That's an interesting distinction. Mitchell has spent time around the NBA, but he hasn't had as many opportunities to actually play and learn through those experiences.
Now, the Thunder want to see what happens when those opportunities become more consistent.
Presti's description of Mitchell also explains why Oklahoma City seems to value him beyond just his numbers. He's a player who can fit alongside different teammates and contribute in different ways.
Most importantly, Presti believes Mitchell is driven by winning.
For a young player still finding his place in the league, that's a pretty strong foundation. And if Mitchell continues to add strength, gain experience and expand his defensive and playmaking abilities, Presti clearly believes there are several more levels still ahead.
