The Oklahoma City Thunder went out and selected former Michigan Wolverines 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara as the No. 12 overall pick on Tuesday night in the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Oklahoma City might be looking to add a player who can take on a bigger role on the team in light of Chet Holmgren’s struggles against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
With Mara joining the Thunder, what type of effect will he have when going up against a player like the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama?
Aday Mara Might Become an Important Piece to the Thunder’s Offense
NBA insider Jake Fischer, who calls himself “The People’s Insider”, shared his thoughts about Mara going to the Thunder in a post on X.
“The 7-foot-3 Mara has been billed as a potential Victor Wembanyama stopper,” Fischer wrote. “Pretty perfect for him to go to this Thunder team that could certainly use one.”
The 7-foot-3 Mara has been billed as a potential Victor Wembanyama stopper. Pretty perfect for him to go to this Thunder team that could certainly use one. https://t.co/47IJiPY2tZ
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 24, 2026
Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, PFSN’s scouting report offered this overview of Mara’s play on the court:
“Aday Mara is a skilled center with elite size and advanced feel for the game,” the report said.
“Standing at 7’3″ with a 7’7″ wingspan, he played a key role in Michigan’s national championship run, averaging 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 64.4% from the field, 50.0% from 3-point range, and 78.6% from the free-throw line during March Madness.”
“He dominated Arizona in the Final Four, totaling 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks after Yaxel Lendeborg got hurt,” the scouting report said. “The 21-year-old is a talented passer with a high basketball IQ, but he needs to continue to get stronger to realize his full potential.”
Mara joins the Thunder after winning a national championship with the Wolverines under former Michigan head coach Dusty May.
May now is the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, a position he accepted just days before the 2026 NBA Draft. He was in attendance as he watched Mara join Oklahoma City and did not seem too pleased about it.
New Mavericks head coach Dusty May’s reaction to Michigan big Aday Mara going to the Thunder.
May will now face Mara often in the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com/z8Uhh4vSiu
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 24, 2026
When the 2026-27 NBA season starts, all eyes will be on how Mara adjusts to playing against other pros, such as Wembanyama.
Oklahoma City’s first game against San Antonio will be a must-see on television.
