UPDATE: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell is making headlines as a strong contender for the 2023-2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Currently, he boasts +750 odds, placing him second to Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, who leads with +425.
Mitchell’s rapid rise has surprised many, as he wasn’t on the radar at the season’s start. His impressive performance in the first month has thrust him into the spotlight as a serious candidate for the award. With an average of 17.2 points per game (PPG), along with 3.9 rebounds (RPG) and 3.9 assists (APG) in just 28.3 minutes per game, Mitchell’s contributions have been vital for the Thunder.
Over the past week, Mitchell transitioned into a starting role due to injuries plaguing key players, including Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Williams. In his first four starts, he has elevated his stats to an impressive 19.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.0 steals per game (SPG), and 1.5 three-pointers per game (3PG) in just over 31 minutes.
Currently, Mitchell is averaging 33.8 fantasy points per game (FPPG), exceeding last season’s Sixth Man of the Year, Payton Pritchard, who averaged 29.7 FPPG. Notably, only Lou Williams in 2018 has had a higher average at 34.5 FPPG among the last decade’s winners.
However, questions loom about whether Mitchell can sustain this level of performance. With Thunder’s roster gradually getting healthier, including the return of Williams, who is expected back later this month, Mitchell’s minutes could dwindle. The Thunder also features stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, making his continued production uncertain.
While Jaquez leads the pack with a solid average of 17.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.2 APG for the Heat, his ability to adapt to a deep rotation enhances his chances to maintain his production despite the impending return of Tyler Herro.
As the NBA season unfolds, Mitchell remains a compelling bet for the Sixth Man of the Year at +750, but significant competition exists from Jaquez and others. The landscape could change rapidly with injuries and performance fluctuations, making this a story to watch closely.
In summary, while Mitchell’s breakout is noteworthy, the evolving dynamics of the Thunder’s roster and competitive candidates suggest a cautious approach for bettors. As the weeks progress, fans and analysts alike will be monitoring these developments closely.
