When a rookie enters the NBA, it’s never entirely clear which of their skills will translate to the big stage. That said, they’ll always have their size and length with them, and if it’s the kind that makes them an interior deterrent, that’s the kind of trait that has a better conversion rate than most.
That, in a nutshell, is a reason to keep all eyes glued on Aday Mara, who posted eye-popping measurements at the Combine (7’3″ barefoot with a 7’6″ wingspan) and eye-popping preseason production to go along with it.
Over five outings, Mara managed to pack 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 blocks into just 23.3 minutes a night. He also shot 78.8 percent from the field and 78.9 percent at the line, meaning he could be a big helper in categories that can drag down other shot-blocking specialists.
Mara still carries fairly significant fantasy risk, though it’s related to his possible role and not his readiness. OKC is overloaded in the frontcourt with Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber all also capable of manning the middle. That said, talent typically finds a way to work these things out, so if the Thunder believe Mara is as good as he looked in exhibitions, they’ll figure out how to find him floor time.