When Ajay Mitchell, guard for Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Topic, a 6‑foot‑5 Serbian guard drafted 12th overall, square off for the backup point guard slot behind Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as the team eyes the 2025‑26 NBA season. The decision could shape Oklahoma City’s championship calculus, especially after the Thunder posted the league’s best record in 2023‑24.
How OKC Built Its Young Core
The Thunder’s rise stems from a relentless talent‑first approach championed by General Manager Sam Presti. Since relocating from Seattle in 2008, Presti has stocked the roster with high‑upside players—deriving value from drafts, savvy trades, and a development‑centric culture. Oklahoma City has become a proving ground where a 21‑year‑old rookie can earn minutes beside an MVP candidate.
Ajay Mitchell: The Sleeper Who’s Already Proven
Mitchell entered the league after a standout career at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he averaged 17.2 points and 4.0 assists in his senior year. His rookie campaign was cut short by a thumb injury, but he still logged 16.6 minutes per game, shooting 50 % from the field and pocketing 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Haynes noted that Mitchell’s "tremendous growth" and his ability to defend the perimeter make him the odds‑on favorite for the backup role.
Key rookie numbers:
- Minutes per game: 16.6
- Points per game: 6.5
- Shooting %: 50 %
- Assists per game: 1.8
- Rebounds per game: 1.9
What impressed coaches most was Mitchell’s off‑ball movement. He "dive‑bombed the paint with speed" and showed a penchant for quick decision‑making, traits that translate well alongside Gilgeous‑Alexander’s play‑making. In interviews, Mitchell has credited the Thunder’s veteran staff for his rapid adaptation, saying, "Every day feels like a master class in basketball IQ."
Nikola Topic: High Upside, But Needs Patience
Topic arrived in OKC with a reputation as a versatile combo guard, yet a knee injury sidelined his entire rookie season. The Thunder, however, "had the patience to take the shot" on his potential, selecting him 12th overall in the 2024 draft. In the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League, Topic posted 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and a striking 2.5 steals in 26.5 minutes per game—numbers that underscored his defensive instincts and play‑making range.
Summer League stats at a glance:
- Points per game: 12.5
- Assists per game: 4.5
- Steals per game: 2.5
- Minutes per game: 26.5
While Topic’s trajectory is promising, coach Mark Daigneault must weigh his long‑term upside against the immediate need for reliable ball‑handling. "He’s a high‑ceiling talent, but we can’t afford growing pains in a season where we’re chasing a title," Daigneault told reporters on September 15, 2024.
Coaching Dilemma: Rotation Choices Ahead of October 21
Daigneault’s rotation puzzle extends beyond the two rookies. Veteran guard Alex Caruso and fellow rookie Cason Wallace are also slated for substantial minutes. The final 15‑man roster must be submitted by October 21, 2025, leaving just weeks for decisions.
"We’ve got depth, we’ve got talent—now it’s about chemistry," Daigneault said in a press conference. Analysts from Thunderous Intentions argue that Mitchell’s "system familiarity" gives him a slight edge, especially on defense where he “shuffles his feet and prods on‑ball” effectively.
What This Means for OKC’s Championship Hunt
If Mitchell clinches the backup role, OKC gains a guard who can sustain the offensive flow when Gilgeous‑Alexander rests, keeping the team’s scoring average near the league‑leading 119.4 points per game recorded in 2023‑24. Conversely, if Topic earns the nod, the Thunder bank on a higher ceiling—potentially turning a solid rotation into a dynamic, switch‑heavy lineup capable of exploiting mismatches.
The broader implication is clear: the Thunder’s championship window hinges on depth. A reliable backup point guard could be the missing piece that turns a deep playoff run into a title run. As preseason hopes build, fans will watch the training camp grind for clues—whether it’s Mitchell’s steady poise or Topic’s electrifying dash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the backup point guard battle affect the Thunder’s chances of winning a championship?
A dependable backup ensures that the team’s offensive rhythm doesn't stall when Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander rests. Mitchell provides proven NBA minutes, while Topic offers a higher ceiling. Whichever guard earns the role could keep the Thunder’s scoring near the league‑high 119.4 ppg, a key factor in tight playoff series.
What are the main differences in playing style between Mitchell and Topic?
Mitchell is a quick, off‑ball cutter who excels in mid‑range shooting and disciplined defense. Topic, by contrast, is taller, more versatile and excels at creating steals and high‑assist numbers, but still needs to shake off the rust from his knee injury.
When will the Thunder announce their final roster?
The official 15‑man roster is due by October 21, 2025, ahead of the regular‑season opener for the 2025‑26 NBA season.
What does Sam Presti say about the development of Mitchell and Topic?
Presti has highlighted both players as "core pieces" of the Thunder’s future, emphasizing that Mitchell brings immediate stability while Topic represents a long‑term investment that could reshape the backcourt.
How did the Summer League performances influence the coaches’ opinions?
Mitchell’s limited minutes showed high efficiency and defensive poise, whereas Topic’s Summer League showed his scoring versatility and ability to generate turnovers, giving the coaching staff tangible data points for the final decision.
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