With OKC banking on Michigan’s Aday Mara with the 12th pick in the draft, Isaiah Hartenstein‘s future with the team may be shaky moving forward. The Thunder definitely addressed their size issues and are now moving forward with the hopes of contending once again. However, it seems that the addition of the Michigan big man brings a lot of changes for Oklahoma City.
Part of it is Hartenstein’s role and future with the team. Everyone knows that the Thunder are one of the biggest teams in the league that has a huge shot at winning the NBA title since rising to dominance. Considering that there’s a chance that IHart may even walk in the offseason or be traded at the deadline, the Thunder may be leaning on Mara as a key part of their future.
Aday Mara Selection Changes Isaiah Hartenstein Dynamic
By now, it is clear that OKC is aiming to put more size in its lineup, and it cannot be denied that Mara is the first step to that process. Chet Holmgren isn’t going anywhere, and IHart may be staying with the Thunder for at least two more years, or even sign for a cheaper contract moving forward.
If anything, Mara coming on board for Oklahoma City changes a lot of things.
Now that Mara is actually on the Thunder I can use this video for propaganda pic.twitter.com/qJnes0LFsQ
— OKC Skittles 🍬 (@OKCskittles) June 24, 2026
Is Mara the Wemby Stopper?
Let’s get honest here, the Thunder getting eliminated in seven games by the San Antonio Spurs was not in the plan for the team’s future. GM Sam Presti went on to address the elephant in the room, and brought in a 7’3″ big man who even weighs bigger than Victor Wembanyama. To be fair, this was the smartest pick OKC could make so far, and they didn’t even have to trade up to acquire him.
A reigning NCAA champion and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Mara comes in as one of the best selections for the Thunder at this point. We’ve seen how they’ve been able to draft in good players over the years. The Spanish center was the best player available who could also resolve the Thunder’s weaknesses on defense. His size is remarkable, and his spacing helps OKC become an even better team moving forward.
“Obviously it’s not a bad thing to hear. I think it’s gonna take time and adjustments but I’m excited to play against him”
– Aday Mara on the Thunder drafting him to be the “Wemby stopper” pic.twitter.com/RdMKZCDJBd
— The Daniel Bell© (@BasketballGuruD) June 24, 2026
But to be fair, Mara himself is a strong shot and is capable of being a defensive bulwark for the Thunder. That, however, doesn’t mean that he was drafted solely to stop Wemby. There are plenty of benefits in having him on the floor for OKC, and he’s definitely a great pick by Presti.
Daigneault Has to Decide Who Starts
Despite his contract situation, Hartenstein defended Wemby better than any other player in the Western Conference Finals. Even Holmgren could not hold his ground for long against the Spurs center. This definitely weighs on how head coach Mark Daigneault would adjust the rotation moving forward. For starters, the team is now stacked with bigs, and it’s a long way to finding the best combo.
Throwing Holmgren and Mara in the starting five should be ideal, as it gives the Thunder plenty of size to begin with. Imagine the Michigan big roaming the center spot and Cheddar roaming off the floor to either supplant defensive plays or even space the floor with his shooting. It also goes without saying that Mara has this shooting upside, which blends him well with IHart or even Jaylin Williams on that note.
If you didn’t watch much Michigan basketball, watch this compilation of OKC’s Aday Mara.
You’ll see flashes of elite playmaking with some of the best rim protection you’ll ever see. pic.twitter.com/AXggs42R3B
— All Things Thunder (@all_things_OKC) June 24, 2026
If Holmgren, IHart, or even J-Will need to rest or are in foul trouble, OKC can still tap into Mara, and if Thomas Sorber finally gets healthy, Mara can complement him, too. That just means that the Thunder can go deep into their rotation now without sacrificing too much size, which is a win for the team at this point.
The Thunder Upgraded in the Best Way
With Mara listed nearly the same height as Wemby, the OKC roster now has three seven-footers on their roster, each capable of running the lineup and bringing size and floor spacing when needed. At this point, having three capable big men who can roll is definitely a huge win for the Thunder.
It’s the best upgrade they’ve had so far. And while not all of the Thunder’s drafted bigs have turned out for the best, this may be the string of luck they needed all along. If anything, adding Mara is crucial for OKC, and they better make the most of it now more than ever.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
