Could Ajay Mitchell put up All-Star numbers with Jalen Williams out? Kevin O’Connor weighs in
Could Ajay Mitchell put up All-Star numbers with Jalen Williams out? Kevin O’Connor weighs in appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are going through a challenging stretch after Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace suffered major injuries, possibly sidelining them for the remainder of the season.
Williams broke his left fibula and dislocated his left ankle, while Wallace tore his left shoulder. Both went down against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Thunder won, 108-101.
They stayed undefeated at 4-0 on Monday, beating the Phoenix Suns, 125-114. Ajay Mitchell exploded for a game-high 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Following Mitchell’s performance, Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor floated the idea that the 24-year-old guard could earn a spot in the All-Star Game.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
“Given how early his injury happened for J-Dub, it’s not out of the question that he’s putting up All-Star numbers this year. It’s really no, with the amount of usage that he’s going to get, filling the Cason Wallace, filling the Jalen Williams opportunities that are going to be available for him,” said O’Connor.
“Massive opportunity for him this year, and if there’s any reason for optimism or positivity, however you want to spin it, it is this guy. It’s Ajay Mitchell, with what he’s capable of doing on the offensive end of the floor, both as a shot creator and a playmaker.”
With J-Dub out, All-Star numbers aren’t out of the question for Ajay Mitchell. https://t.co/XGqNIc9Uhhpic.twitter.com/bcylT8sVH8
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) October 28, 2026
Stepping up is not uncharted territory for Mitchell. He did it last season when Williams was out for an extended period due to a broken wrist and a strained hamstring.
Mitchell was particularly impressive in the Thunder’s sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs, averaging 22.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals. He went 56.3% from the field.
The Western Conference is filled with talented guards, and Mitchell will face stiff competition for a ticket to the All-Star Game. But if the Thunder could maintain their dominance, Mitchell might join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the midseason classic.
Related: Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein sends emotional tribute to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace
