The Milwaukee Bucks are in their current position for many reasons, but whiffing on countless draft picks is certainly among the most prominent. A good draft pick can make a world of difference, and the Bucks have struggled in that regard. One such example is Ajay Mitchell, a player they passed on back in 2024, who is currently playing an essential role for the OKC Thunder.
Mitchell is giving the Thunder a jolt
After scarcely playing in last year's title run, Mitchell has taken on much more responsibility in OKC's quest to repeat. The sophomore is averaging 25.5 minutes per matchup during the team's first two games of the first round. The 23-year-old is proving that he's more than deserving of a significant role, giving OKC a shot in the arm off the bench.
In these two games, Mitchell is averaging 11.5 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists, and two steals per contest while shooting 44.4 percent from distance. Talk about a do-it-all contributor. Mitchell's role depends on his Swiss Army Knife capabilities, something that every single team needs in the NBA Playoffs—remember 2021 Pat Connaughton, Bucks fans? Better times.
Depth is one of OKC's greatest strengths, and it's not by accident. They know how to identify talent and bring it in. Mitchell wasn't some highly-touted prospect begging to be taken. He went 38th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, meaning countless other teams had an opportunity to select him before the Thunder traded up to get him. The Milwaukee Bucks were among those teams.
Bucks' 2024 draft class still stings to this day
The biggest headline regarding Milwaukee from the 2024 draft was that they selected AJ Johnson in the first round. That often overshadows them taking Tyler Smith with the 33rd pick. Although he had a massive amount of potential, Smith never found his footing in Milwaukee. Any dream of turning him into a contributor quickly faded as he primarily became a spectator.
After just one season, the Bucks parted with Smith. Despite lasting just one year, Smith still stayed in Milwaukee longer than fellow 2024 draft classmate AJ Johnson, who was traded midway through his rookie season. Seeing players like Smith, whom the Bucks used a valuable asset on, not even being on the roster, while players like Mitchell light it up on the big stage, undeniably stings.
Examples like Mitchell put even more pressure on the Milwaukee Bucks to nail their upcoming pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. After so many misses in recent years, this team needs a win.
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