Ajay Mitchell: A Rising Star in the NBA
Inglewood, California — For many athletes in the NBA, rising through the ranks is a lifelong aspiration nurtured from childhood. Among them is Ajay Mitchell, who cultivated his basketball dreams in Ans, Belgium. With aspirations that initially straddled the worlds of basketball and soccer, his journey has led him to become a rising star in Oklahoma City, where he is currently a frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging an impressive 16.1 points per game.
Early Years and Commitment to Basketball
Mitchell reflects on his younger years, noting how the lack of organized high school sports in Belgium forced him to focus on a single sport at a young age.
“Until I was about 14, I juggled soccer and basketball. But when I turned 14, I decided to dedicate myself to basketball, as the structure there meant I had to choose one sport.”
His commitment took shape in Limburg United’s youth system, where he eventually played for their senior team during the 2020-21 season — an experience that he believes was vital for acclimatizing to higher levels of competition.
College Career and Transition to the NBA
Dreaming of playing in the NBA since childhood, Mitchell’s ambition led him to UC Santa Barbara. He describes the transition to college as “smooth,” crediting both the welcoming environment and a close-knit freshman class that made settling in easier. While at Santa Barbara, Mitchell maintained a steady presence on the court, earning accolades such as Big West Freshman of the Year in 2022, and later, the Big West Player of the Year in his sophomore season with averages of 16.3 points and 5.1 assists.
Following his remarkable college performance, Mitchell declared for the NBA Draft after the 2023-24 season. While he was selected 38th overall by the New York Knicks, he was soon traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he signed a two-way contract. Initially overshadowed by his teammate Nikola Topić, who was a lottery pick, Mitchell worked diligently during the Summer League and training camp to secure a place in the short-handed rotation.
Proving His Worth in the NBA
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noted his early contributions amid a talented lineup, allowing him to experience the league while also learning from the sidelines due to a toe injury that sidelined him for three months last season. The Thunder recognized his potential quickly, converting Mitchell’s two-way deal into a standard contract as the team saw a bright future for him.
Despite adjusting to the NBA’s tempo and defensive demands, he focused on improvement and adaptation. Mitchell acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from college to professional basketball, particularly in terms of physicality and the intensity of each game.
Coming back from injury gave him a chance to prove himself further, culminating in a significant role during the Thunder’s playoff run last season. Utilizing the summer for physical conditioning, he strengthened his game and returned with more aggression in the current season. This preparation paid off when he signed an enticing three-year contract averaging $8.7 million, which turned out to be a savvy investment for the Thunder as he now makes substantial contributions off the bench and in playmaking.
Focus on Team Success
Mitchell emphasizes that his focus remains on team success rather than personal accolades.
“I just want to help this team win in any way I can,”
he remarked. As the Thunder continue their undefeated streak at 8-0, Mitchell is poised for further achievements in what promises to be an exciting season ahead, dispelling any notions of “overnight success” with his story of persistence and growth.
