{"id":756520,"date":"2026-06-24T04:54:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T04:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/756520\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T04:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T04:54:08","slug":"how-thunder-found-victor-wembanyama-stopper-at-nba-draft-in-michigans-aday-mara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/756520\/","title":{"rendered":"How Thunder found Victor Wembanyama stopper at NBA Draft in Michigan’s Aday Mara"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fresh off of a disappointing defeat to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs<\/a> in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder<\/a> were in desperate need of some reinforcements. Fortunately for them, they remain blessed with a war chest of glistening draft picks from prior trades. During Tuesday’s NBA Draft, Oklahoma City made those selections count.<\/p>\n

The Thunder added two players to their ranks during the first round: Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz. The former, Oklahoma City’s No. 12 pick, figures to be wielded to blight the likes of Wembanyama, the sport’s next great big, who made his presence felt in that aforementioned matchup.<\/p>\n

With that, here’s a look at how Mara could fit into Oklahoma City’s roster in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n

2026 NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker<\/a> | Pick-by-pick grades<\/a> |\u00a0Best players still available<\/a><\/p>\n

Aday Mara fit with Thunder<\/p>\n

Mara’s addition gives Oklahoma City valuable frontcourt flexibility as it looks to retool following its earlier-than-expected postseason exit. The Michigan big man is far from a finished product, with limited floor-spacing ability and occasional ball-security issues that remain areas for improvement.<\/p>\n

What Mara already does well is defend. He’s mobile and lanky, using his length to disrupt opposing scorers, particularly around the rim. He posted a 13 percent block rate during his collegiate career, demonstrating a knack for swatting shots.<\/p>\n

Mara’s physical tools are the most intriguing part of his game. With Oklahoma City holding a $28.5 million club option on backup center Isaiah Hartenstein for the 2026-27 season, the Thunder have an interesting decision ahead. Hartenstein is one of the NBA’s best reserve centers, combining soft touch, excellent passing and a sturdy frame. While it seems unlikely Oklahoma City will move on from him, Mara provides insurance if the team decides to allocate that money elsewhere.<\/p>\n

His size and mobility should aid his NBA development. He’s the type of long, agile defender who could eventually be tasked with matching up against elite big men such as Victor Wembanyama, though it’s far too early to label him a “Wembanyama stopper.”<\/p>\n

Whether next season or in the years ahead, Mara projects to play an important role in Oklahoma City’s frontcourt. He has shown flashes as a finisher around the basket and as a passer, giving him the foundation to eventually succeed Hartenstein if needed. Hartenstein served as Wembanyama’s primary defender during the Western Conference Finals, and a more developed Mara could eventually thrive in a similar role.<\/p>\n

The Thunder also appear to be preparing for a transition elsewhere on the roster after acquiring Iowa sharpshooter Bennett Stirtz in a trade, a move that could signal a reduced role\u2014or even the end of the road\u2014for veterans such as Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. With up to four years of team control over both Mara and Stirtz, Oklahoma City is positioning itself to remain competitive while maintaining financial flexibility, potentially creating room for additional reinforcements in the coming years.<\/p>\n

One person likely disappointed by Mara’s departure from Michigan is newly appointed Mavericks<\/a> head coach Dusty May. If nothing else, that’s a strong endorsement of the talent Oklahoma City is adding.<\/p>\n

New Mavericks head coach Dusty May\u2019s reaction to Michigan big Aday Mara going to the Thunder.<\/p>\n

May will now face Mara often in the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com\/z8Uhh4vSiu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 24, 2026<\/a>How tall is Aday Mara?<\/p>\n

Mara is 7-foot-3. His frame is even more harrowing than that height suggests. His standing reach is a mammoth 9-foot-9, while his wingspan is 7-foot-6. In other words, Mara is less basketball player than a titan. Oklahoma City will hope the 21-year-old can do both at the next level.<\/p>\n

How tall is Victor Wembanyama?<\/p>\n

Mara is a hulking presence in the back line. He isn’t quite able to reach Wembanyama’s epic proportions, however. The Spurs standout is officially listed at 7-foot-4, with some suggesting he might’ve grown since entering the league. His eight-foot wingspan ranks as one of the highest marks in league history. He uses every inch to frighten opposition attackers.<\/p>\n