Ajay Mitchell should be 6MOY favorite thanks to ripple effects of breakout postseason

Thunderous Intentions writer Mark Nilon argues that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell should be considered the favorite for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Mitchell delivered an impressive postseason run while filling in for Jalen Williams, averaging 18.4 points across seven consecutive victories before suffering a calf injury. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the guard's growing confidence heading into his third professional season.

With Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins departing, Nilon notes that extensive bench minutes and shot attempts have opened up in Oklahoma City's second unit. While Cason Wallace and a healthy Williams are expected to start, Mitchell is projected to absorb substantial playing time after finishing fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season.