OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara is already making headway with his new teammates, including veteran Kenrich Williams, who's already thoroughly impressed with the 7-foot-3 prospect. The Thunder selected Mara 12th overall this year, giving Oklahoma City another lottery one year removed from winning its first championship in franchise history.
Williams, entering his ninth with the Thunder, believes Mara has the makings of an All-Defensive NBA center.
“Big Spain. That’s what I call him. I like Aday (Mara),” Williams said. “I think that he has the potential to be a First Team/Second Team All-Defensive type of guy.”
Joining a top-rated defensive team, Mara made a lot of sense for the Thunder in this year's draft. Coming off losing Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against 7-foot-4 All-Star Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder hope to have selected its center of the future.
Sam Presti addresses Aday Mara's fit with the Thunder
Thunder GM Sam Presti discussed Aday Mara's promising outlook after selecting the Michigan product 12th overall. For Presti, Mara's defense is what appealed to him most as a future piece in the Thunder's frontcourt.
“I think everybody understands in the world that we live in today, in the modern NBA, and the value of rim protection,” Presti said. “But also, I think, the ability to think on the floor quickly, and react to different situations because the offenses are so random. But somebody that can cover that kind of ground, but is a great communicator with his teammates, puts himself in situations, maybe not to get the actual statistic or event, but to deter things, also. And that's where our defensive system really comes into play.
“But, like any other player, it'll be a slow and steady approach, getting to learn the schemes, getting to learn from the players that we have. But I love his humility and his optimism. But also, a willingness to understand that he's got some great guys to work with, and learn from, and a coaching staff that'll help guide his development.”
Mara will make his Thunder debut in a preseason game against the Pelicans next Tuesday.