Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has undergone a procedure to address a turf toe sprain in the great toe on his right foot, the team announced today in a press release.
According to the Thunder, the plan is to reevaluate Mitchell in approximately 10-to-12 weeks. That means he’s expected to be sidelined until at least late March, and possibly beyond that.
The 38th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Mitchell has been one of the more impressive performers in this season’s rookie class. He has been a regular part of the rotation for the West-leading Thunder, appearing in the team’s first 34 games of the season and averaging 16.5 minutes per night. He missed the past two games due to what Oklahoma City initially referred to as a sprained toe.
The 22-year-old shooting guard has recorded 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest, with an excellent shooting line of .506/.431/.848.
Mitchell had been considered a strong candidate to be promoted from his two-way contract to a standard deal at some point this season. That’s still a possibility, but there will be less urgency for the Thunder to make a move until late in the season, since the former UC Santa Barbara is no longer at risk of reaching his 50-game NBA limit in February or March.
The Thunder would have to promote Mitchell to the 15-man roster to make him eligible for the postseason.
Probably the best situation for the Thunder money wise. Now they can sign a different 15th man and sign Ajay over the summer
They should keep the 15th spot open to have Ajay in the playoffs?
Thunder lost to Cavs. Taking it out on Knicks at MSG. Embarrassing lols ……
Up 29 at half …. Better freakin wake up.
OK are they ready to listen to me ….
Start Precious use Hart as 6th man. He can still play more mins. Precious and KAT, OG is a big and solid front line. This way Bridges gets better looks and more shots. We need Bridges to break out. Why are we paying him ????? WTFU Bridges needs to handle more scoring. On a consistent basis …. You do this by starting Precious.