3. Ajay Mitchell
Mitchell played three games in the Salt Lake City summer league before two in Vegas. The 6’3 guard averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over his five contests as he shot 53.3 percent from the field, 40.0 percent on his threes, and 92.3 percent on his free throws. Mitchell had several teams regretting letting him slide into the second round.
The Oklahoma City Thunder may have snagged another draft steal. Mitchell was a bucket in his third season at UC Santa Barbara and translated that to summer league. The 22-year-old will struggle to crack OKC’s rotation, but there is plenty to be excited about for the Thunder.
Mitchell reaching his ceiling hinges on him making threes. He connected on just 29.0 percent during his first two college seasons. His profile blossomed as Mitchell’s shooting improved. He kept making shots in summer league, but scouts are watching his jumper closely.
Ajay Mitchell would give Doc Rivers an immediate rotation option. That won’t be the case for AJ Johnson or Tyler Smith in Milwaukee. Mitchell fell to 38th on draft night and the Thunder moved up to acquire him. The Bucks may quickly regret passing on the 6'3 guard.
It was not just older players who shined in summer league. If the Milwaukee Bucks were set on a young talent, there were still better options.