When Ajay Mitchell, a 23‑year‑old guard from Belgium, stepped onto the court at the Las Vegas Summer LeagueLas Vegas, Nevada, the buzz around the Oklahoma City franchise grew louder than the arena’s echo.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had already watched Mitchell turn a two‑way contract into a full‑time roster spot on February 6, 2025, but the Summer League gave fans a statistical postcard: 19.7 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and almost a block per game in Salt Lake City, then a 20‑point night against the Brooklyn Nets on July 10, and a career‑high 27 points versus the Orlando Magic on July 16. He shot 44.4% from deep while logging just over 26 minutes a night.
Background: From Belgium to the NBA
Mitchell’s path began in the streets of Brussels, where a lanky point guard honed his shooting under the shadow of seasoned pros. He earned a scholarship to the University of California, Santa Barbara, posting 15.2 points and 4.4 assists in his senior year (2023‑24). The 2024 NBA Draft saw him selected 38th overall by the New York Knicks, only to be swapped to the Thunder on draft night.
That trade set the stage for his rookie season, where he logged 16.6 minutes per game on a championship‑winning squad. He ranked fifth among rookies in three‑point percentage (38.3%) and led all rookies in defensive rating (100.0), despite missing 46 games with a turf‑toe injury.
Summer League Performance: Numbers That Talk
The Salt Lake City showcase (July 3‑7, Vivint Arena) was Mitchell’s first test. Over three games he averaged 19.7 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds, while hitting 44.4% of his threes. The next week in Las Vegas, his output climbed higher:
- July 10 vs. Brooklyn Nets: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals.
- July 16 vs. Orlando Magic: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists.
Those games also showcased his defensive instincts – he logged 1.3 steals per game and flirted with a block, a rarity for a guard his size.
Contract and Role: From Two‑Way to Full‑Time
The Thunder’s confidence was evident when GM Sam Presti turned Mitchell’s two‑way deal into a standard two‑year contract worth $1,018,237 for 2025‑26 and $1,071,000 for 2026‑27. Presti, who has helmed the franchise since 2008, cited Mitchell’s “defensive grit and offensive versatility” during a post‑game press conference.
Head coach Mark Daigneault told reporters that Mitchell could graduate from a “3‑and‑D specialist” to a reliable sixth‑man option, especially with the Thunder retaining ten of the fifteen players from their 2024‑25 title run.

Team and Peer Perspective
Stars weren’t shy about the newcomer. “Ajay’s a special prospect,” Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander said earlier this season. The Canadian guard, who led the league with 31.4 points per game in 2023‑24, praised Mitchell’s work ethic, noting that “his confidence grew with each rep.”
In a July 11 interview with The Oklahoman, Mitchell reflected, “It’s been great. I missed a part of the season, so it’s always good to get reps and be able to play. I want to get better, and being here helps me do that.” He added that the team’s chemistry felt “awesome” and that the Summer League was a “learning experience for everybody.”
Future Outlook: Bigger Role, Bigger Expectations
Analysts at ZH Highlights project that if Mitchell maintains his Summer League efficiency, he could be in the running for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award next season—a boost that might raise his future contract value by 20‑30% under the veteran scale.
The Thunder’s next chapter begins with training camp on September 26, 2025, and the regular season tip‑off on October 22, 2025, at the Paycom Center. With a young core anchored by Gilgeous‑Alexander and a refreshed bench, Mitchell is positioned to see his minutes swell well beyond the rookie 16.6 average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ajay Mitchell’s Summer League performance affect his role with the Thunder?
Mitchell’s scoring bursts and defensive numbers have convinced Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to consider him for a larger sixth‑man role. Expect his minutes to rise from the rookie average of 16.6 to around 20‑22 per game in the 2025‑26 season, especially in back‑court rotations.
What was the financial impact of Mitchell’s contract conversion?
The standard two‑year deal guarantees Mitchell $1,018,237 for the 2025‑26 season and $1,071,000 for 2026‑27, a notable jump from the two‑way salary that typically caps near $500,000. This reflects the Thunder’s belief in his long‑term value.
How does Mitchell compare to other rookie guards in recent Summer Leagues?
Few rookies posted a near‑30‑point game in Vegas this year. Mitchell’s 44.4% three‑point shooting eclipses the league average of 38% for rookies and places him in the top‑three for scoring among second‑round picks.
What does his success mean for Belgian basketball?
Mitchell becomes only the second Belgian to win an NBA championship, following DJ Mena. His rise could spark increased scouting of Belgian talent and inspire young players back home to pursue the NBA route.
When does the Thunder expect to see Mitchell in regular‑season action?
The team’s calendar shows the first regular‑season game on October 22, 2025, at the Paycom Center. Presti hinted that Mitchell could earn his first start as early as the second week of the season if his off‑season progress mirrors his Summer League showing.