Despite placing first in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder obtained talented rookies, including one in the lottery. Like the rookies in Denver or Utah, the rookies on the Thunder possess great potential. However, each rookie has questions they must address in the coming season. Here is a question that each rookie on the Oklahoma City Thunder has to answer during the 2024-25 NBA season.
1 Question For Each Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie
Nikola Topic
Question: N/A
The Thunder selected Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a player, Topic excels as a point guard who can pressure the rim, be an excellent playmaker for others, and play with a high basketball IQ. Not only that, Topic has great size for his position at six-foot-six. Topic has great upside as a player and could be an excellent player. Unfortunately for Topic, he sustained a left ACL tear a few weeks before the draft. While he underwent a successful surgery for the injury, he will not be playing for the entirety of the 2024-2025 season. Hopefully, he returns strong and healthy for the 2025-2026 season.
Dillon Jones
Question: Can Jones improve as a shooter?
The Thunder obtained Dillon Jones, the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, in a three-team trade with the Wizards and Knicks. The greatest attribute Jones has in his game is his versatility. He plays the game with physicality and tenacity. Jones can put pressure on the rim, rebound the ball, and play make for others at a high level. He has enough strength and quickness to guard across multiple positions. While Jones didn’t have the best Summer League performance, there were times when his skills shined. He showcased that he can be a force on the boards and play with physicality. Without a doubt, Jones has the versatility and skills to have an impact in the league.
Jones is proficient in many areas of basketball, however, he does struggle as a three-point shooter. The biggest question for Jones is whether he can improve as a shooter. Jones shot much better from three in spot-up situations, so taking more of these types of threes would help his efficiency significantly. Playing next to players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams would allow Jones plenty of spot-up threes. Jones must take advantage of those situations and make those shots count. If Jones can improve as a shooter, it would make him even more versatile as a player. Additionally, it would give him a strong case for minutes in the Thunder rotation. It will be up to Jones to show that improvement and earn his spot in the rotation.
Ajay Mitchell
Question: Can Mitchell increase his three-point shooting volume while remaining efficient?
The Thunder obtained the draft rights to Ajay Mitchell, the 38th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, in a trade with the Knicks. Mitchell is a strong scorer at the rim and in the mid-range, as well as being excellent at getting to the free-throw line. He is also a talented playmaker and solid defender. While Mitchell had a mixed performance at Summer League, he had strong moments where he showed off his strengths. In one game in particular, Mitchell scored an efficient 21 points and had five assists, proving his offensive talents.
Mitchell is a talented offensive player and capable defender, however, he does have areas where he could improve. Specifically, Mitchell could stand to improve his three-point shooting volume. Thus, the big question for Mitchell this season is whether he can increase his three-point shooting volume while remaining efficient. In college last season, Mitchell shot an efficient 39.3% from three but on only 2.9 attempts per game. Increasing his volume while remaining efficient from three would make Mitchell an even deadlier offensive player and would open up the floor to him. If Mitchell can do that, it would make him a valuable piece for Oklahoma, especially as a creator off the bench. He may not get much run this year with the main team, but improving in this regard would do wonders in gaining minutes in year two.
Alex Ducas
Question: Can Ducas become a better defender?
Alex Ducas signed a two-way contract with the Thunder after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a player, Ducas is a gifted shooter who possesses good positional size at six-foot-seven. He can shoot the ball in various ways and can even shoot off the dribble. Additionally, Ducas can be a solid playmaker for others. Not only that, Ducas just has a good feel for the game. Unfortunately, Ducas did not play in Summer League due to a left hip injury but he has shown his capabilities well in college.
While Ducas does have impressive offensive skills, his defense is quite lacking in comparison. His defensive ability is limited by the fact that he isn’t the most athletic. So, the biggest question for Ducas is whether or not he can become a better defender. If Ducas can develop defensively he will find a place in the league as a 3-and-D player. It would increase his value tremendously and would give him a real shot at minutes with the Thunder. He must use the time he will get in the G League to show real improvement defensively and become a better player.
