Sam Presti’s revealing take on Thunder rookie Aday Mara’s fit in today’s ‘modern NBA’

GM Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder introduced rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, and Otega Oweh to the media on Friday. In many ways, Presti and the Thunder addressed the team’s flaws in their seven-game Western Conference Finals series against All-Star Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, including drafting Mara 12th overall, a 7-foot-3, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Presti addressed the significance of adding a center like Mara, as the Thunder will look to return to their status as title contenders in 2026-27.

“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.”

However, Thunder’s Sam Presti was adamant that drafting Mara is more about improving the roster than Oklahoma City attempting to keep up with the rest of the NBA, including Wembanyama and the Spurs.

“For us, we’re always focused on how to internalize what will make us the best team. Not necessarily trying to follow whatever the league is doing, but at times, may be shying away from that in different ways,” Presti added. “Relative to his skillset, obviously, it’s very rare to have somebody with that type of feel for the game that also presents, and has a level of rim protection on the other end of the floor. There’s usually trade-offs — that package doesn’t come together very often.”

Mara joins a Thunder frontcourt with two seven-foot starting centers in All-Star Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Aday Mara is ‘excited’ to grow in the NBA as a member of the Thunder

After Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama’s breakout season, Thunder rookie Aday Mara has already been anointed as his team’s designated “Wemby stopper” ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Without All-Defensive forward Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, Wembanyama and the Spurs dethroned the Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Mara, who’s the first rookie entering the league with expectations of evolving into the kind of defender who can deter a 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, is looking forward to the challenge and his overall growth as a member of the Thunder.

“I’m excited to just go through the process. It’s going to be an adjustment, obviously, college and the NBA — there’s a big difference,” Mara said. “But I feel like coming with this group, having to play with great players, it’s going to be a really good thing for me. Playing at my best level every day. So, I’m excited for that.”

Thunder GM Sam Presti will be watching Mara and the Thunder begin summer league play on July 4 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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