In a playoff series where the Thunder comfortably handled the Lakers through the first three games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t even need to go all out until Game 4. Los Angeles fought hard but ultimately fell short, earning respect even in defeat. Throughout the series, Oklahoma City saw different role players step up whenever Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t fully engaged.
Jared McCain, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft, emerged as a surprise contributor in Game 2. The Thunder acquired him from the 76ers before the trade deadline by sending Houston’s first-round pick (22nd overall) and three future second-rounders to Philadelphia. The 76ers parted ways with McCain largely due to an overcrowded backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ, and Quentin Grimes.
From a value standpoint, the trade was a masterstroke for the Thunder. The first-round pick they used was late in the first round (ending up 22nd), and the three second-rounders—the highest of OKC, Houston, Miami, and Indiana in 2027, OKC’s own 2028 second-rounder, and Milwaukee’s 2028 second-rounder—were all likely to be late picks. The 2028 Milwaukee pick depends on whether they trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Essentially, the Thunder gave up four low-value picks that might not even yield roster spots for a proven contributor like McCain. With an abundance of first-round picks already, second-rounders hold little value for OKC, making this a low-risk, high-reward move that significantly bolstered their depth.
McCain adds valuable shot creation off the bench, shown by his blistering 54.2% three-point shooting in the playoffs. Though his minutes are limited and he isn’t high in the rotation, he has stepped up when the team struggles. However, the Thunder face a potential complication this summer: McCain is eligible for a contract extension, and finding the right price point will be a challenge—likely a lowball offer in OKC’s cap structure. It remains to be seen whether McCain will accept a team-friendly deal or whether their partnership ends after his rookie contract.
Games 3 and 4 belonged to Ajay Mitchell, the 38th overall pick in the 2024 draft—even lower than McCain. Last summer, Mitchell signed a three-year, $9 million descending contract with the Thunder, an incredible value. In the playoffs, he averaged 18.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 29.8 minutes per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 36.1% from three. When Jalen Williams was out and Gilgeous-Alexander faced heavy double-teams, Mitchell performed like a $30 million player, becoming the team’s third-leading scorer behind Shai and Chet Holmgren. He filled Williams’ shoes admirably with his scoring efficiency, ball-handling, and defense—all as a sophomore.
To put things in perspective: Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, was exposed defensively in the playoffs. Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick, is at the tail end of the Hawks’ rotation. Yet the Thunder’s low-pick acquisitions—McCain (16th) and Mitchell (38th)—have outshined the top three picks in this historically weak draft class. The contrast underscores Oklahoma City’s exceptional scouting, player development, and contract management. The Thunder have built their dynasty not through lottery luck, but by finding diamonds in the rough and maximizing their value, long before their contracts become burdens.