Aday Mara
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Michigan’s 7’3″ center Aday Mara at 12, and it makes total sense. Mara is an elite presence around the rim on offense and defense. He was among the best in the draft at protecting the rim, winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year last season with the Wolverines. He also shines on the offensive end of the ball, where he averaged 12.1 points per game on 66.8% shooting.
Mara will likely come off the bench in his rookie season, playing behind Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. He will have mentors and guys to smooth his transition, which will be good for his development. He isn’t expected to be a star for OKC, and he doesn’t need to be. The team has enough star power, and needs someone to come off the bench and patrol the paint when their bigs need rest. Having won a national championship in college, he will fit right in on a team that won the title in 2025.
