Thunder select Aday Mara with No. 12 pick in NBA Draft

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mara, a former Michigan Wolverines player, was noted for his performances during the national championship run, averaging 14.7 points and 2.3 blocks per game. This pick comes after Chet Holmgren's difficulties faced against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Mara is expected to contribute significantly to the Thunder's frontcourt, particularly when facing players like the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. Head coach Dusty May watched Mara's selection closely after recently taking the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks.

• 2:22 AMYahoo Sports — ’Potential Victor Wembanyama Stopper’ — Thunder Draft 7’3 Center Aday Mara at No. 12 After Chet Holmgren’s WCF Struggles