Updated Jan. 26, 2026, 5:55 p.m. CT
A couple of weeks away from the NBA All-Star break, the Oklahoma City Thunder learned that another player from their roster will participate in the weekend festivities. Ajay Mitchell will take part in the 2026 Rising Stars challenge.
The mini-tournament highlights the best rookies and second-year players throughout the league. There will be four teams and three games that take place on Friday, Feb. 13 at LA’s Intuit Dome.
The 21 NBA players will be drafted onto three teams on Tuesday, Jan. 27. A fourth team of G League players will also join in. The team coaches are Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers. The entire player pool can be viewed below:
Shouldn’t be a shocker to see Mitchell added to the event. He’s had a breakout season. The 23-year-old has averaged 14.1 points on 48.7% shooting, 3.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds. That’s quite the jump from last year’s role, where he was a solid two-way player before injuries cut his season short.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was recently named an NBA All-Star starter. Chet Holmgren could join him for the All-Star Game as a reserve. The Thunder have campaigned for him to earn the career accolade. The game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 15.
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