Ajay Mitchell predicted to become one of the breakout players of the 2026-27 NBA season

Ajay Mitchell is poised to become a breakout player in the 2026-27 NBA season, according to The Sporting News. The Oklahoma City Thunder have made significant changes ahead of the upcoming season, with Mitchell expected to take on a bigger role alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt. While it remains to be seen whether Mitchell will be the starter or play off the bench, he will still be a crucial part of the Thunder's potential success.

Mitchell's contributions on both ends of the floor will be vital, as the remaining players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort will be missed. Mitchell is a skilled scorer who can create his own opportunities and also set up his teammates with good passes. With no matter what happens, the Thunder will need Mitchell to step up and fulfill the hype surrounding him.

Over the past two seasons, Mitchell has played in only 93 games due to the Thunder's depth, but with the team's roster becoming thinner, he will have more minutes and opportunities to make his mark. As long as Mitchell can maintain his impact, the future looks promising for the Thunder, who already have a formidable core group that could potentially win another championship after their playoff exit in 2026.

Other NBA news includes Shannon Sharpe arguing that Jalen Brunson's championship win is more impressive than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's second MVP, Kevin Durant's struggles with accepting Russell Westbrook's retirement, and Victor Wembanyama being the runaway MVP favorite for the 2026-27 NBA season.