THE OKC Thunder held a press conference on Saturday to present the three players he selected in the 2024 NBA Draft.
OKC selected Serbia Nikola Theme (No. 12 overall), Weber State Dillon Jones (No. 26) and UC Santa Barbara Ajay Mitchell (No. 38). They will join a team that went 57-25 last season and reached the Western Conference semifinals as the top seed.
Here’s what each OKC draftee had to say Saturday.
More: OKC Thunder Highlight NBA Rookies Nikola Topic, Dillon Jones, Ajay Mitchell | 3 Takeaways
OKC Thunder to hold press conference to present 2024 NBA Draft selections
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Nikola Topic ready to become ‘best version of myself’ with OKC
Subject is willing to practice patience with OKC.
After being selected by the Thunder with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Topic is expected to miss his entire rookie season. The 2.08 m guard suffered a partially torn ACL earlier this month while playing for Red Star, a Serbian League (KLS) team.
It’s a situation OKC is familiar with. Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, missed his entire rookie campaign with a Lisfranc foot injury, but he bounced back last season by playing all 82 regular-season games.
“I’m really grateful that they have experience with Chet, who didn’t play his first season,” Topic said. “We assume that’s going to be the case with me. I’m really, really grateful for the opportunity. I’m going to do my best to do my best and be the best version of myself.”
Dillon Jones took the ‘long road’ to OKC
Jones’ path to OKC hasn’t been easy.
Although he wasn’t a star recruit in 2020, the Columbia, South Carolina, native earned a roster spot at Weber State. And after starting just two games as a freshman, he earned Big Sky MVP honors as a senior last season with averages of 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Jones now finds himself on a strong OKC team and he’s going to have to work to carve out a spot. But Jones has never shied away from a challenge.
“It was a long journey, a long road,” Jones said of his path to the NBA. “When I got to Weber, those were the moments that really shaped me into the player that I am. … Continuing to learn, continuing to grow. That was kind of the journey. … I’m just excited to try to get on this journey and take on this new challenge.”
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Ajay Mitchell Talks ‘Working Hard’ for OKC Role
Few things are guaranteed for the second-round selections of the NBA Draft.
They often sign a two-way contract, which is the case with Mitchell, who was selected 38th overall. And they have the task of earning their roster spot by playing well in Summer League and the G League.
But it’s possible, especially in OKC. From Lu Dort to Aaron Wiggins, many Thunder players have gone from second-round or undrafted picks to key rotation players.
Today, Mitchell hopes to continue that trend after spending three seasons at UC Santa Barbara.
“I’m really excited,” Mitchell said. “This team has done it before with players in my position. … It’s about working hard, doing my part and being ready at all times. I’m really excited to be in this position.”
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This article was originally published on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder 2024 NBA Draft: Nikola Topic, Dillon Jones, Ajay Mitchell
