When Ajay Mitchell, the 23‑year‑old Belgian guard drafted 38th overall by the New York Knicks and immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, exploded for 19.7 points per game in the 2025 NBA Summer League, the buzz was palpable. The breakout came in Las Vegas on July 16, 2025, when Mitchell poured in 27 points against the Orlando Magic, only to watch the Thunder withdraw him from the tournament on July 19, 2025. The early exit signals that the franchise believes his Summer League résumé is sufficient proof of readiness for a larger role in the 2025‑26 season.

Summer League Surge: Numbers That Turn Heads

Mitchell’s Summer League line‑sheet reads like a rookie‑of‑the‑year résumé: 19.7 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and just under one block per contest, while shooting an efficient 44.4 % from beyond the arc. His performance against Orlando was captured in a YouTube highlight posted by ZH Highlights, where he demonstrated not only scoring but also the ability to create for teammates and switch onto multiple positions.

Before the Las Vegas stint, Mitchell logged three games in Salt Lake City, maintaining identical averages and proving his consistency across venues. The Thunder’s front office, headed by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti, reportedly used those numbers as a blueprint for the guard’s upcoming responsibilities.

Rookie Campaign and Championship Pedigree

Mitchell’s rookie year was anything but ordinary. After missing 46 regular‑season games with a turf‑toe injury, he still logged 16.6 minutes per game on the championship‑winning Thunder squad. He ranked fifth among rookies (30+ games) in three‑point percentage at 38.3 % and topped the class in defensive rating at 100.0, according to analytics site Thunderous Intentions.

Team captain Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander labeled Mitchell a “special” prospect during that stretch, praising his “3‑and‑D” skill set. The guard’s contribution helped Oklahoma City clinch the NBA title on June 22, 2025, making him the second Belgian ever to hoist a championship ring after D.J. Meja (note: commonly referred to as DJ Mena).

Thunder’s Development Strategy: From Two‑Way to Full‑Time

Draft night in 2024 saw Mitchell sign a two‑way contract after the Knicks swapped his rights to Oklahoma City. Less than a year later—on February 6, 2025—the Thunder converted that deal into a standard two‑year contract, a move that surprised many analysts who still doubted his NBA durability.

Presti’s rationale, as quoted to The Oklahoman, was simple: “When a player shows he can contribute on both ends in high‑pressure situations, we reward that growth.” The decision paid off, with Mitchell becoming a key rotational piece in the Thunder’s championship run and then showcasing his offensive upside in the Summer League.

What the Early Exit Means for the 2025‑26 Season

By pulling Mitchell (and fellow guard Nikola Topić) from the Summer League roster on July 19, the Thunder effectively told the league that the guard’s development is complete for now. Insider sources suggest the coaching staff wants Mitchell to focus on integrating with the first‑team playbook, absorbing the defensive schemes that led to a 100.0 rookie defensive rating.

Fans can likely expect Mitchell to see an expanded minutes load, especially in transition offense where his speed and court vision shine. If he continues his three‑point accuracy, he could become the Thunder’s secondary scorer behind Gilgeous‑Alexander, providing a genuine “3‑and‑D” threat that opponents will need to plan for.

Historical Context: Belgian Players in the NBA

Belgium has produced only a handful of NBA players. Before Mitchell, D.J. Meja (also known as DJ Mena) broke the barrier by winning a ring with the 2013‑14 Miami Heat. Mitchell’s championship adds a second Belgian name to the list, a point of pride for the country’s basketball federation, which has been lobbying the NBA for more exposure.

Analysts predict that Mitchell’s success could inspire a new wave of European talent, especially from smaller federations that see his pathway—from two‑way contract to championship contributor—as a realistic blueprint.