OKC Thunder Head Coach Discusses Ajay Mitchell Ahead of NBA Playoffs

Oklahoma City has won 68 games, good enough to earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with the best record in the NBA.

The Thunder did this through a ton of adversity with injuries popping up all throughout the season dating back to training camp. One of the key injuries was rookie guard Ajay Mitchell going out in the middle of January with a toe injury that sidelined him until the last two games of the season.

Despite Mitchell showing readiness throughout the regular season to fill a massive role for the Oklahoma City Thunder, reservations about his playoff role remained after his late return from injury.

On Thursday at Oklahoma City's playoff practice, head coach Mark Daigneault was asked about the rookie guard as the playoffs loom.

“We need him to be ready like everybody else. He has a role. He’s got utility. There’s things he can bring to our team that are unique. He’s been hurt but this is the time of the year where everybody has to bring their strengths to the table," Daigneault said.

One thing you should know by now about the Thunder bench boss is that he is unorthodox. His style leads to longer rotations even in the postseason and a willingness to try things like bringing in a rookie during the biggest games of the season.

If Mitchell does see time in the playoffs, it could be a big plus for OKC. The Thunder could be in a spot where the non-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander minutes need another ball handler and play finish and Mitchell filled that void admirably throughout the regular season coupled with his gritty defense.

All eyes will be on the Thunder's rotation in the postseason, but the shock value of Mitchell potentially entering the game shouldn't stun too many people despite how outside the box it seems.