Ajay Mitchell, the guy who’s become a legit problem for defenses in just two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, was almost rocking a different jersey entirely. The 24-year-old guard, a certified “draft steal” for OKC, recently detailed how his 2024 NBA draft experience nearly played out in a completely different way, with a surprise team almost grabbing him in the first round.
The Draft Day Twist Nobody Saw Coming
Think about it: Mitchell quickly climbed the ranks in OKC, going from a two-way project to their impromptu Sixth Man scorer. He’s the rare rookie who never even saw the G League, jumping straight into a key rotation spot. This dude became a 14-point scorer, and honestly, he was arguably the best player in their Round 2 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. But none of that almost happened. He appeared on ‘The Old Man and The Three’ podcast and dropped a bombshell: he almost went a whole round earlier, and to the complete opposite conference. “My agent was like, ‘There’s a chance you get picked late first.’ Milwaukee had the 23rd pick,” Mitchell said. And get this: “I went in there. They really liked me. My sister lived in Wisconsin. I could see that connection.” Could you imagine Mitchell as a Buck? Talk about an alternate universe!
Family Drama and a Thunder Steal
Instead, in what can only be described as a sick twist of fate, the Bucks selected AJ Johnson. Mitchell’s family was hyped when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the first name. But then, a cold bucket rivaling the temps of Green Bay got dumped over their heads when the last name was said. Ouch. Mitchell himself remembers the moment, saying, “I’m trying to be like, ‘Ah, it’s all good.’ But in my head, I’m like, ‘What? No way!’ It was awkward. My whole family is pissed. My sister is so mad.” He told them, “Relax. We’re good.” And man, was he right to be optimistic. His patience worked out big time. The Thunder, with Sam Presti at the helm, made a bundle of Day 2 trades to select Mitchell with the No. 38 pick of the 2024 NBA draft. They made the most of the first-time two-day event and snagged a future star.
In just two seasons, Mitchell has proven to be a key rotation piece. After a summer filled with cost-cutting moves, the Thunder are rolling out the blue-and-orange carpets for the third-year guard. They’re expecting big things from him, with even more offensive responsibilities added to his plate. It’s wild to think what might have been, but it sure looks like the Thunder made out like bandits on draft day!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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