Jun 24, 2026 1:32 AM
Standing 7-foot-3 with elite passing vision, the Michigan standout offers a towering new dimension to the roster while providing a high-upside partner for Chet Holmgren’s frontcourt.
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2026 NBA Draft with the No. 12 and No. 17 overall picks. And while there were reports that the Thunder could look to trade up to acquire one of their targets, Oklahoma City was able to stand pat at No. 12 overall and still get maybe the best fit possible.
That was 7-foot-3 big man Aday Mara of the Michigan Wolverines, who is coming off a national championship season and projects as a great fit in Oklahoma City.
In the short term, Mara can learn under Isaiah Hartenstein. He has the passing chops, the size and the defensive ability to earn minutes as a rookie in year one. But he also has the long-term upside to eventually take over as the starter next to Chet Holmgren.
For the Thunder to get him at No. 12 without having to move up is phenomenal value. He’ll be one of the most exciting players to watch at Summer League, and he still has plenty to develop.
Mara is certainly far from a perfect prospect and has a lot to improve on. But as far as baselines go at this point, he should be a year-one contributor for the Thunder, and his sheer size will give them a new element and a new wrinkle they simply didn’t have.
Oklahoma City has one more pick in the first round at No. 17 overall, with another chance to land an NBA-ready prospect.
The only question is, who will it be?
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