The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured rookie Ajay Mitchell, a guard from Belgium, with a multi-year contract, enhancing their roster depth. Mitchell, originally the 38th overall pick in the draft, had averages of 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 34 games, despite recently being sidelined due to a toe sprain. He is noted for being one of just two rookies this season to shoot over 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Additionally, Branden Carlson, a 7-foot center, has been signed to a two-way contract after showing promise in limited minutes. He has made 15 appearances, with a career-high of 11 points in a previous game against Cleveland, averaging 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game overall.

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a thrilling 123-114 victory over the Utah Jazz, improving their record to 36-7 this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the match with a career-best performance, scoring 54 points on 17-for-35 shooting.

Despite being short-handed, the Thunder capitalized on a defensive showcase, forcing 27 turnovers from the Jazz, which led to 39 points off those miscues. The Jazz initially held a lead in the first quarter, aided by contributions from Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, but OKC's defense tightened, turning the game in their favor.

Alex Caruso’s defensive prowess was pivotal, recording five steals and inspiring the Thunder’s resurgence. Gilgeous-Alexander maintained his scoring spree, particularly thriving at the free throw line, going 17-for-18. The matchup showcased a competitive fourth quarter, but a late burst from OKC helped seal the win.

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 134-114 in a recent rematch. Missing center Isaiah Hartenstein, they inserted Jaylin Williams into the starting lineup, yet it did not hinder their momentum. The Thunder exploded offensively, particularly in the first quarter, shooting 6-for-10 from three-point range and employing fierce defense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a key player, scoring 26 points by halftime, while the Thunder forced 21 turnovers throughout the game. Their ability to capitalize on these turnovers resulted in 22 points from the Cavaliers' mistakes, and they maintained a commanding lead, which swelled to 42 points at one stage.

The Oklahoma City Thunder made a significant move by selecting Ajay Mitchell with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The rookie has quickly become a valuable asset for the Thunder, contributing effectively in his first 28 games.

Mitchell's standout performance came against the Washington Wizards, where he achieved his first double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. His consistent play has earned him a spot on the NBA's Rookie Ladder, ranking ninth.

With plans to convert him to a standard contract, the Thunder may need to make roster adjustments, potentially waiving Branden Carlson to accommodate Mitchell's rise.

Jamison Battle, an undrafted rookie for the Toronto Raptors, has defied expectations by securing a spot on the roster instead of playing in the G League. Initially signed on an Exhibit 10 deal, his impressive preseason shooting led to a promotion to a two-way contract.

With injuries on the team, Battle has stepped up, averaging 6.4 points per game and showcasing his shooting ability, including a standout performance with 24 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. Coach Darko Rajaković praised his focus and effort, indicating that Battle could be an important asset for the Raptors.

While his ceiling may be limited, Battle's shooting skills and work ethic have already made him a valuable contributor, aligning with the Raptors' philosophy of developing overlooked talent.