From historic standing reaches to defensive dynamos, elite physical data reveals how Sam Presti could leverage three picks to bolster the roster with size, length, and versatility.
Oklahoma City entered the NBA lottery with a 7.2% chance of jumping to the top four, but it stayed put and remains armed with the 12th, 17th and 37th overall picks in the 2026 Draft. There will be numerous tantalizing prospects available to the champs because it’s considered to be a very deep draft.
The NBA combine is currently ongoing, and player measurements were reported on May 11 by DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony. Here are the most notable measurements from the Thunder’s perspective given their needs and draft range.
Aday Mara
- Height barefoot: 7-foot-3
- Wingspan: 7-foot-6
- Standing reach: 9-foot-9
- Weight: 259.8 pounds
Aday Mara tied Mark Williams for the second-highest standing reach in Combine history behind only Tacko Fall. The Michigan product is a massive center who protects the rim at a high level, converts shots around the basket and throws quality passes out of post-ups or from the top of the key. His shooting limitations are concerning, but Mara’s size, defense and passing should make him a mid lottery pick.
It’s unclear whether he will be available at 12th overall, so Sam Presti might need to trade up if he wants to acquire him. Lineups with Mara and Chet Holmgren would ooze length and suffocate opponents inside the paint, which is especially important with Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference.
Yaxel Lendeborg
- Height barefoot: 6-foot-8.75
- Wingspan: 7-foot-3.25
- Standing reach: 9-foot-0.5
- Weight: 241.4 pounds
Mara’s Michigan teammate Yaxel Lendeborg was also a Combine winner because he boasts ideal size for a forward with his quickness. For context, Lendeborg’s measurements are identical to Naz Reid’s measurements, except Reid was 14 pounds heavier.
Lendeborg likely won’t make an All-Star team and he’s probably close to a finished product since he will be 24-years-old on Opening Night. However, he’s a do-it-all forward who can be a phenomenal glue piece for Oklahoma City. Lendeborg might be available at 12th overall yet will be off the board by 17th overall.
Tounde Yessoufou
- Height barefoot: 6-foot-4.25
- Wingspan: 6-foot-10
- Standing reach: 8-foot-7
- Weight: 219.8 pounds
Luguentz Dort may be a salary cap casualty this offseason, but Tounde Yessoufou is a potential replacement. He’s a physical, burly defender who forces turnovers and can defend above his weight class. His plus wingspan measurement was especially crucial for his draft stock.
Like Dort, Yessoufou is an inconsistent perimeter shooter and decision maker. It’s very unlikely that the Baylor product reaches Dort’s level as a defender, but Yessoufou possesses more off-the-dribble potential on offense. If the Thunder want to take a flier on Yessoufou, then he should be available at 17th overall.