Rookie Ajay Mitchell had the chance to play early within the season with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunderand the thirty eighth decide within the NBA draft confirmed why on Wednesday.
Mitchell produced 12 factors, 4 rebounds and two steals in a 105-93 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on the Paycom Heart. He turned away 5 of his six shot makes an attempt from the sector, together with a 3-pointer, in a season-high 22 minutes off the bench.
The 6-foot-4 guard selected his positions nicely on the court docket and located success entering into the paint for simple appears to be like. He used his quickness to get round Chris Paul and Stephon Citadel and his 200-pound dimension to complete by contact on the rim.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was impressed with him.
We performed lots of 5-on-5 in coaching camp, so there’s lots of stuff below the floor that you just may not see, and we take these minutes very significantly. A part of the explanation we play 5-on-5 is to grasp what we’ve, and he confirmed his skills on each ends of the ground early. I believed though he was good offensively tonight, he was actually good defensively. He continues to progress and enhance by expertise.
Mitchell signed a two-way contract with the Thunder on July 6 after enjoying three years at UC Santa Barbara. He recorded 4 30-point video games final season and was considered one of 4 gamers within the nation to common no less than 20 factors, 4 assists and 4 rebounds.
The 22-year-old had a powerful efficiency with the Thunder in Summer time League, averaging 16.4 factors, 4.6 assists, three rebounds and 1.6 steals on 40% 3-point capturing in 5 video games . He completed his keep recording 21 factors, 5 assists and two rebounds.
Mitchell continued that manufacturing into coaching camp to earn rotation minutes. He’ll spend a part of the 12 months within the G League, however the staff is pleased with how he has contributed early within the season.
“He earned it fairly shortly due to the best way he performed,” Daigneault stated. “He has issues to enhance. He is nonetheless studying the NBA; it is his fourth recreation. It is the beginning of his profession however he obtained off to an excellent begin and was very dependable from each side of the ground… He obtained off to a great begin.”
This text was initially printed on Rookie Wire: Thunder information: Mark Daigneault reveals why he trusts Ajay Mitchell
