Thunder Swingman Offers High Praise for Second Round Pick

OKC Thunder swingman Aaron Wiggins had a lot of praise for 2024 second round pick Ajay Mitchell at media day.

May 7, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) gestures after scoring a three-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Aaron Wiggins is one of the biggest second round success stories in NBA history. From the No. 55 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft to inking a five-year $47 million dollar deal this offseason to re-up with the Oklahoma City Thunder organization.

Wiggins dominated with the Thunder's G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, starting his career on a two-way pact before being converted to a standard deal which quickly became one of the best bargins in the NBA due to his production at the varsity level.

The Maryland product has consistently been an energy giving and versatile player being able to fill multiple positions on the floor while maintaining eye-popping efficency even in sproadic roles to this point in his career.

As Ajay Mitchell is set to begin his NBA journey the origins sound a lot like Wiggins. Mitchell was selected No. 36 overall in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft after the Thunder pulled off a chain of trades to secure the guard and place him on a two-way contract.

Oklahoma City heads into the 2024-25 NBA season with a vacant roster spot that is prime for the taking should the rookie burst onto the scene and bust down the door to earn a 15-man spot. While the rookie projects to play plenty with the OKC Blue, his skillset can translate to the Thunder's style of play.

"I've had some conversation with [Ajay Mitchell], told him some of the same things that I've kind of had mentally noted when I came in on the two-way contract. He's a great player. I've played some pick-up and stuff with him, and he looks really good. I know that he'll be ready to go when his opportunity comes. I'm looking forward to seeing how he comes into training camp and just kind of continues to grow from there," Wiggins said of Mitchell at Media Day on Monday.

Mitchell should see extended run in the team's jam pack preseason slate that begins on Oct. 7 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Asked Aaron Wiggins about Ajay Mitchell:
"I've had some conversation with him, told him some of the same things that I've kind of had mentally noted when I came in on the two-way contract. He's a great player. I've played some pick-up and stuff with him, and he looks really…

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 30, 2024

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