Ajay Mitchell
Oklahoma City Thunder · Guard · 6′4″ 190 lb · age 24 · UC Santa Barbara · 3rd season
3 games this season
Availability
Tonight vs PHXNot listed official report not submitted yet
Lineups not confirmed yet
Teammates out
Recent changes
- Oct 20Lineupmoved out of the starting lineup vs SAS
- Oct 15Lineupmoved into the starting lineup vs HOU (preseason)
Season form
3 games this seasonStarts 0 of 3 games · 4th on OKC in minutes · Core role
Bars: minutes in his last 3 games · numbers: points
Situational splits: turn on Prediction tools.
What's being said
56 items · 10 sources this season- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 2 points ·
- Rylan Stiles: Host analysis: the offense is out of sync as the team works in Shai off the ball and plays through Ajay Mitchell and Wallace. Familiar names are in different roles, and offense, not defense, has been the biggest problem. at 24:28
- Derek Parker: Derek said Ajay Mitchell had some great moments, looking like himself at his peak, and that Shai got loose in the third quarter. at 25:42
“Jalen Williams Suffers Season-Altering Injury in OKC Thunder Win vs. Clippers” · listen ↗
- RotoWire RotoWire · Report ·
Ajay Mitchell: Leads second unit in win — Mitchell recorded 18 points (8-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 27 minutes during Sunday's 108-101 win over the Clippers.
- Podcast Gil's Arena host · Analysis · around the league
AJ Mitchell can guard power forwards, which let OKC switch one through four.
“Sixers Erase A MASSIVE 29-Point Deficit, SGA Ends His Streak & Jaylen Brown Calls CAP On Tatum! Part 1” at 1:16:08 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Opinion · around the league
One host thinks Thunder shooting is a real concern. Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren need to make shots, and Jared McCain has outsized importance as the only movement shooter.
“The Thunder Are Inevitable + Philly Trusts the Process” at 36:27 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA host · Analysis · around the league
The host credited OKC with developing players such as Jalen Williams 'off the bench', Jared McCain 'coming in' and Ajay Mitchell. It is unclear whether 'off the bench' was meant as Jalen Williams' current role.
“GAME NIGHT: How the Philadelphia 76ers Won Their Fans Over in a 29-Point Comeback” at 25:13 · listen ↗
- Podcast Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Report · around the league
Jared McCain hit six threes. Lowe believes SGA, Ajay Mitchell and McCain played about 10 minutes together at +6.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 16:15 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 2 points ·
- The host says the fourth quarter started with Jalen Williams (J-Dub), McCain, Mitchell, Caruso and Aday Mara. at 5:58
- Derek Parker: Derek Parker says Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell got hot in the second half. He thinks Daigneault pulled the right levers in searching for energy. at 7:20
“SGA 20 Point Streak ENDS | OKC Thunder Hold Nikola Jokic in Check in Win” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 6 points ·
- Rylan Stiles: The host said A.J. Mitchell had neither a good preseason nor a good opener. He also noted the Spurs matchup is hard for Mitchell's rim-attacking game against Wemby. at 19:56
- Rylan Stiles: Mitchell had 6 assists and 1 turnover, but the host said his processing (when to drive, shoot or dump off) has been missing all season. He traced it to the Tulsa preseason game against the Pelicans. at 20:44
- Justin Martinez: Justin said Mitchell is now the lead guard of the second unit and may start on some nights. at 22:06
- Justin Martinez: Mitchell's three-point shooting fell from 38.3% as a rookie to 34.7% last season. Justin said he has had two injury-riddled seasons to start his career. at 22:29
- Justin Martinez: Neither host is hitting the panic button on Mitchell. Justin still expects a strong season ('I think'). at 22:52
- Rylan Stiles: The host does not think the added size is noticeable or is the problem. at 23:29
“How OKC Thunder Can IMPROVE After Season Opening Win | Are Nuggets Still Contenders” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 5 points ·
- Host: Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace all have to be better than they showed in the opener. at 4:52
- Rylan Stiles: Host: Mitchell's poor decision-making is a trend carried over from preseason. Before being taken out of the Tulsa preseason game he was forcing tough shots, and his 6 assists were deceptive. at 24:13
- Rylan Stiles: The host says that after "trading Lou" and moving the core in a new direction, more is expected of Mitchell. at 25:16
- Derek Parker: Derek: Mitchell lacks the straight-line pop he had last season and can't get separation at the point of attack. That is leading him to force the issue, and it may be rust. at 25:29
- Derek Parker: Derek predicts the usual Mitchell will be back within the next five games. at 26:48
“What OKC Thunder's BIG WIN vs. Spurs Means | Aday Mara's Strong Debut | Ajay Mitchell Struggles” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On NBA · 2 points ·
- Matt (inferred) said OKC's roster changes worked: they are still the best defensive team despite losing Dort, still have enough shooting after losing Isaiah Joe, and McCain and Ajay Mitchell will fill the gaps. at 15:14
- Ajay Mitchell was blocked a couple of times by Wembanyama when he tried isolation hero ball. The Thunder went 4-8 against the Spurs last year. at 19:59
“Biggest Opening Night Takeaways: 76ers Impress, Thunder Statement, Celtics Collapse” · listen ↗
- Podcast Gil's Arena · 2 points ·
- A host says Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams did not play in last season's Game 7 and are back in the lineup now. He picks OKC tonight. at 1:17:44
- A host says De'Aaron Fox is healthy for the Spurs, and that OKC has Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell healthy again. at 1:19:10
“KD Claps Back At Mat Ishbia, PG Finds His LOVE Again In Boston & SGA's MVP THREE-PEAT Chase! Part 2” · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Analysis · around the league
In the OKC game, the speaker did not think Ajay Mitchell played well. OKC had Jared McCain to throw out instead, and they rely heavily on Cason Wallace.
“What we learned from a chaotic NBA Opening Night” at 33:42 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder host · Analysis ·
Ajay Mitchell kept struggling, and the host says he could have played better.
“OKC Thunder BOUNCE BACK vs. Spurs | SGA is the BEST IN THE WORLD | Chet Holmgren GETS OFF THE MAT” at 9:10 · listen ↗
- Podcast Numbers on the Board · 2 points ·
- Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain are eligible for extensions next season. at 43:18
- A host lists OKC's main rotation as Shai, Jalen Williams, Chet, Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Caruso, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. The hosts also note the roster is thin on wings. at 49:16
“The NBA Is Back! + We Draft Potential First Time All-Stars | Numbers On The Board” · listen ↗
- Podcast It Is What It Is host · Analysis · around the league
Last season, Ajay Mitchell, described as their second-leading scorer, got hurt in the playoffs.
“NBA Is Officially BACK, GM Survey Is WILD Disrespectful & Are The Knicks Being Slept On?” at 17:05 · listen ↗
- Podcast Rylan Stiles, Locked On Thunder · Analysis ·
The host thinks a fully healthy OKC can keep at least two ball handlers on the floor (sometimes three) for all 48 minutes, which should put Shai in better spots. He names Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams as now available.
“OKC Thunder MUST WIN GAME vs Spurs” at 21:34 · listen ↗
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Rumor · around the league
A host guesses OKC will get out of the tax by season's end and that maybe two of Hartenstein, Caruso, Wallace or Ajay Mitchell get shipped out.
“Final Considerations Ahead of NBA Opening Night” at 43:28 · listen ↗
- Podcast NBA Today host · Analysis · around the league
An unidentified host said the Thunder lacked their full lineup last postseason and that, going forward, they will have Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
“Let the Games Begin!” at 33:43 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 2 points ·
- Host predicts A.J. Mitchell wins Sixth Man of the Year, implying a bench role. at 26:40
- Host says that if he is right that this is the best offense in franchise history, it will come through Ajay Mitchell lifting the second unit. He also expects Mitchell to help maximize Shai and Jalen Williams together in a three-man group. at 26:46
“Will the OKC Thunder WIN THE TITLE This Season? | Full NBA Season Preview” · listen ↗
- Podcast Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Analysis · around the league
Zach: under certain assumptions (picking up team options on young players), OKC's payroll is on pace for about $325M in 2028-29, far over the second apron. That is even with Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams and maybe Nikola Topic gone. AJ Mitchell and Jared McCain are due new contracts that season, and Zach expects other roster casualties down the line.
“Knicks Preview, Playoff Picks, Finals Predictions, and More!” at 20:48 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder host · Prediction ·
The host thinks Chet won't dominate the Spurs series but also won't be 'that bad again'. If Chet plays average, Dub has an electrifying impact and Ajay Mitchell stays healthy to free up Shea, he thinks that is enough to reach the Finals.
“The BEST, WORST, and MOST LIKELY Case Scenario for the OKC Thunder in the 2026-27 NBA Season” at 23:51 · listen ↗
- Podcast Hardwood Knocks host · Analysis · around the league
The hosts say OKC has no true wing beyond Jalen Williams and Kenrich Williams; Ajay Mitchell can probably play a few minutes at the three.
“1 Big Question For Every NBA Teams In The Western Conference” at 11:09 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder host · Opinion ·
The host's view is that the job isn't finished: OKC still has to sign Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain to keep the roster together.
“BREAKING: Cason Wallace GETS PAID | Why Signing Him NOW was IMPORTANT for OKC Thunder” at 5:06 · listen ↗
also reported by Locked On NBA host
- Podcast Locked On NBA host · Analysis · around the league
Co-host: Wallace hasn't had a real chance at run because OKC's guard group was so crowded. Now he gets an opportunity alongside Alex Caruso.
“LOCKED IN: Oklahoma City Thunder Secure Cason Wallace Extension! | Who Will WIN Title?!” at 3:08 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 2 points ·
- previous show guests (reported): Styles says most earlier guests picked role players as the X-factor: Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Cason Wallace. at 15:56
- Mazzotto's award picks: Ajay Mitchell for Sixth Man of the Year; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander third in MVP voting and first-team All-NBA; Chet Holmgren third-team All-NBA and second in Defensive Player of the Year again. at 29:18
“UNDERRATED Storyline Line for OKC Thunder You MUST Pay Attention To” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 3 points ·
- Rylan Stiles: The host lists the health histories of core players: Hartenstein has had injuries, as have Holmgren and Jalen Williams. He says Ajay Mitchell has never had a healthy NBA season. at 5:07
- Nick Crain: Crane says the guard minutes will go to Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and McCain. He thinks Bennett Stirtz, though a tier below them, will also get a lot of guard minutes, and that the question will be how to get him 9-10 minutes a night. at 7:58
- Nick Crain: Crane picks Jared McCain for Sixth Man of the Year over Ajay Mitchell, mainly because he doesn't think Mitchell will play 65 games since he hasn't done it before. at 30:32
“WHO IS STOPPING the OKC Thunder? | Season Preview” · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder host · Report ·
A.J. Mitchell was rested for this game.
“Evaluating Cason Wallace Preseason | OKC Thunder STARS look READY | Aday Mara Does It AGAIN” at 2:45 · listen ↗
- Podcast Locked On Thunder · 11 points ·
- Host says A.J. Mitchell is looking for his first healthy season. at 7:05
- Justin Martinez: Martinez picks A.J. Mitchell as OKC's top X-factor. He notes many people pick Mitchell for Most Improved Player or Sixth Man of the Year. at 8:00
- Justin Martinez: Martinez says it is still not known whether A.J. Mitchell will start. at 8:04
- Justin Martinez: Martinez expects Ajay Mitchell to be heavily involved either way: running the second unit or playing alongside Shea and J-Dub. at 8:09
- Justin Martinez: Martinez recalls that last season, with Jalen Williams out, Ajay Mitchell averaged 'what was it 22 points per game something like that' in the 'sun series'. Both the number and the series name are uncertain. at 9:35
- Justin Martinez: Martinez predicts that even if Ajay Mitchell does not start, he would plug into the starting lineup when others miss time. at 10:01
- Justin Martinez: Ajay Mitchell's 3-point shooting: 38.3% as a rookie (largely catch-and-shoot), 34.7% last season as defenses paid him more attention. at 12:24
- Justin Martinez: Martinez thinks Ajay Mitchell's 3-point shot still needs improvement. at 12:20
- Justin Martinez: Martinez thinks he can increase his drives and free-throw trips. at 12:43
- Justin Martinez: Martinez's Knicks matchup view: Shea, Jada and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting into the lane would pressure Karl-Anthony Towns protecting the rim. at 19:18
- Justin Martinez: Martinez says the San Antonio series showed OKC badly needed someone besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to handle and create, which let the Spurs key in on him. With J-Dub and Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell available, he says OKC has the tools to win. at 21:12
“OKC Thunder X FACTORS To Watch For | Top Storylines | 2026-27 Season Preview Part 2” · listen ↗
Podcast items are our short summaries of what was said, credited to who said it; posts and stories link to the original. Opinions and rumors are labelled as such and are not checked facts.
Game log
● = started2026-27 season
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | LAC W | 28 min | 18 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Oct 22 | DEN W | 23 min | 12 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 20 | @SAS W | 23 min | 4 pts | 5 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
2025-26 season (last season) · 68 games
| Date | Opp | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22 | @SAS W | 17 min | 2 pts | 5 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| May 20 | SAS W | 28 min | 10 pts | 0 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| May 18 | SAS L | 34 min | 4 pts | 4 reb | 5 ast | 0 3PM |
| May 11 | @LAL W | 33 min | 28 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| May 9 | @LAL W | 30 min | 24 pts | 4 reb | 10 ast | 2 3PM |
| May 7 | LAL W | 30 min | 20 pts | 3 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| May 5 | LAL W | 28 min | 18 pts | 2 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 27 | @PHX W | 34 min | 22 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 4 3PM |
| Apr 25 | @PHX W | 32 min | 15 pts | 6 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 22 | PHX W | 29 min | 14 pts | 5 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 19 | PHX W | 22 min | 9 pts | 5 reb | 2 ast | 3 3PM |
| Apr 8 | @LAC W | 24 min | 7 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Apr 7 | @LAL W | 21 min | 9 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 5 | UTA W | 19 min | 7 pts | 1 reb | 7 ast | 1 3PM |
| Apr 2 | LAL W | 16 min | 10 pts | 3 reb | 1 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 30 | DET W | 36 min | 14 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 29 | NYK W | 24 min | 8 pts | 4 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 27 | CHI W | 25 min | 15 pts | 3 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 25 | @BOS L | 25 min | 8 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 21 | @WAS W | 15 min | 14 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Mar 18 | @BKN W | 23 min | 10 pts | 7 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Mar 17 | @ORL W | 28 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 15 | MIN W | 27 min | 11 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 12 | BOS W | 30 min | 15 pts | 4 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Mar 9 | DEN W | 29 min | 24 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 21 | @MIL W | 25 min | 18 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 19 | @CLE W | 25 min | 5 pts | 2 reb | 9 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 17 | @MIA L | 28 min | 15 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 15 | @HOU W | 23 min | 17 pts | 5 reb | 3 ast | 3 3PM |
| Jan 13 | SAS W | 30 min | 11 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 11 | MIA W | 27 min | 16 pts | 4 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Jan 9 | @MEM W | 38 min | 23 pts | 3 reb | 6 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 7 | UTA W | 33 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 5 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 5 | CHA L | 24 min | 11 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Jan 4 | @PHX L | 27 min | 13 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Jan 2 | @GSW W | 25 min | 11 pts | 2 reb | 6 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 31 | POR W | 23 min | 17 pts | 6 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 29 | ATL W | 23 min | 10 pts | 1 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 28 | PHI W | 20 min | 13 pts | 1 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Dec 22 | MEM W | 22 min | 16 pts | 9 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 19 | @MIN L | 23 min | 14 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 0 3PM |
| Dec 18 | LAC W | 29 min | 16 pts | 7 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 13 | SAS L | 24 min | 9 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 10 | PHX W | 19 min | 9 pts | 2 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 7 | @UTA W | 29 min | 7 pts | 2 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 5 | DAL W | 23 min | 9 pts | 0 reb | 2 ast | 1 3PM |
| Dec 2 | @GSW W | 32 min | 10 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 30 | @POR W | 29 min | 17 pts | 5 reb | 5 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 28 | PHX W | 5 min | 0 pts | 0 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 26 | MIN W | 24 min | 13 pts | 2 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 23 | POR W | 24 min | 20 pts | 1 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 21 | @UTA W | 25 min | 12 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 19 | SAC W | 29 min | 13 pts | 3 reb | 6 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 17 | @NOP W | 26 min | 11 pts | 2 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 15 | @CHA W | 31 min | 14 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 12 | LAL W | 26 min | 14 pts | 3 reb | 3 ast | 1 3PM |
| Nov 11 | GSW W | 31 min | 17 pts | 3 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 9 | @MEM W | 32 min | 21 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 7 | @SAC W | 31 min | 18 pts | 5 reb | 10 ast | 2 3PM |
| Nov 5 | @POR L | 31 min | 21 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 4 | @LAC W | 20 min | 8 pts | 4 reb | 3 ast | 0 3PM |
| Nov 2 | NOP W | 30 min | 10 pts | 5 reb | 8 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 30 | WAS W | 30 min | 20 pts | 1 reb | 2 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 28 | SAC W | 24 min | 18 pts | 0 reb | 1 ast | 3 3PM |
| Oct 27 | @DAL W | 27 min | 17 pts | 7 reb | 1 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 25 | @ATL W | 29 min | 14 pts | 7 reb | 7 ast | 2 3PM |
| Oct 23 | @IND W | 38 min | 26 pts | 3 reb | 4 ast | 0 3PM |
| Oct 21 | HOU W | 15 min | 16 pts | 2 reb | 2 ast | 3 3PM |
How his numbers change by situation, with four seasons of history →
Predictions about him
how calls are trackedCame true 1 · Waiting 1
- Waiting Justin Martinez: Ajay Mitchell plays a big role, either running the second unit or playing next to SGA and Jalen Williams.
2026-10-13 · Podcast · by 2027-04-12 Flag - Came true Derek Parker: Ajay Mitchell is back in his usual form within OKC's next five games, by Nov 1.
2026-10-21 · Podcast · by 2026-11-01 Flag