Oklahoma City Thunder select Aday Mara in 2026 NBA Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 1:32 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Aday Mara, a Michigan center, was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The 7-foot-3 player, known for his impressive wingspan and unique skill set, averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season. He is praised for his passing ability and rim protection but has areas that need development, particularly regarding his physical strength and defensive consistency. Mara's selection reflects the Thunder's interest in his potential as a developmental player.
- •Aday Mara was picked 12th overall in the NBA Draft.
- •He stands at 7-foot-3 with a 7-foot-6.75 wingspan.
- •Mara averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in college.
- •Concerns exist about his physical strength and free throw shooting.
- •The Thunder aims to develop him into a key player.
- 1:54 AMYahoo Sports — NBA Draft: Thunder try to address Wemby problem by grabbing Michigan big man Aday Mara at No. 12
- 1:32 AMYahoo Sports — NBA Draft: What Michigan C Aday Mara brings to the Thunder
- 1:28 AMYahoo Sports — Aday Mara, Michigan big man, heads to Thunder at No. 12 in NBA Draft
"Aday Mara isn’t your ordinary big man. Here is what the Michigan Basketball center is bringing to the Oklahoma City Thunder after being taken in the first round of the NBA Draft:
"Aday Mara was the third Michigan player to be taken in the lottery, along with forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg.
"OKC didn't have to trade up to get the 7-foot-3 prospect who was regarded as the best center in the draft.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 1:54 AMNBA Draft: Thunder try to address Wemby problem by grabbing Michigan big man Aday Mara at No. 12
OKC didn't have to trade up to get the 7-foot-3 prospect who was regarded as the best center in the draft.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 1:32 AMNBA Draft: What Michigan C Aday Mara brings to the Thunder
Aday Mara isn’t your ordinary big man. Here is what the Michigan Basketball center is bringing to the Oklahoma City Thunder after being taken in the first round of the NBA Draft:
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 1:28 AMAday Mara, Michigan big man, heads to Thunder at No. 12 in NBA Draft
Aday Mara was the third Michigan player to be taken in the lottery, along with forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg.
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