Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Ajay Mitchell is making strides in his recovery from toe surgery, engaging in passing drills as he nears the completion of a 10-to-12-week rehabilitation period. His potential return before the playoffs could provide a boost to the Thunder's bench, allowing for more tactical flexibility in matchups, especially with the playoffs approaching.

Head coach Mark Daigneault has praised Mitchell's commitment during rehab, noting that his mental resilience as a rookie has been impressive. With the regular season winding down, the Thunder will need to assess whether it's wise to reintegrate Mitchell into the lineup after such a long absence from competitive play. His versatility as a backup ball-handler was evident earlier in the season, making his return an intriguing prospect.