Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic said the Oklahoma City Thunder knew what they had in Ajay Mitchell from the beginning. The rest of the NBA is starting to see it now.
Speaking with Steve McGehee, Lorenzi said Mitchell’s emergence during the postseason has not come as a surprise inside the organization. He pointed to the rookie’s poise, maturity and offensive feel dating back to the start of training camp.
“Anyone in the building will tell you they’ve been impressed with him from day one,” Lorenzi said. “The demeanor, the poise, the maturity, the ability to run offense — he’s had that since he stepped into the building in 2024.”
Mitchell’s role has grown with Jalen Williams sidelined since the opening round of the playoffs. Lorenzi said the Thunder needed another creator and offensive spark, and Mitchell has supplied both.
In Game 3 against the Lakers, Mitchell became the first player in Thunder franchise history to record at least 20 points and 10 assists without turning the ball over. Lorenzi said that reflected exactly what Oklahoma City has come to expect from him.
“That should tell you everything,” Lorenzi said. “He’s been exactly what they need. He’s aggressive, he’s confident, and as Mark Daigneault will tell you, he’s not shy. And he shouldn’t be.”
Lorenzi also said Mitchell’s versatility makes him a strong fit in Oklahoma City’s best closing lineups. He pointed to Mitchell’s ability to contribute both on and off the ball.
“I always thought their best closing lineup featured Ajay,” Lorenzi said. “What makes him so valuable is how threatening he is offensively while also holding his own defensively.”
The Thunder have continued to control the series despite trailing at halftime in back-to-back games. Lorenzi credited Oklahoma City’s third-quarter play and the stability Mitchell has provided during the minutes without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“The Lakers have thrown a lot at Shai,” Lorenzi said. “They’ve trapped him, mixed coverages and tried to make him uncomfortable. But to Oklahoma City’s credit, they’ve been great even without him on the floor.”
Lorenzi also looked ahead to the Western Conference picture, saying a Thunder-Spurs matchup has long seemed possible. He praised Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, but said San Antonio’s depth and ability to create offense set it apart.
“What separates the Spurs is they have multiple guys who can create offense on their own,” Lorenzi said. “You look at De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and now Dylan Harper. They’re incredibly well-rounded and ahead of schedule. It’s felt like Thunder-Spurs for a long time now.”
The Thunder and Lakers continue their second-round series Monday night as Oklahoma City looks to keep advancing.