Fresh off his recent games in the NBA Summer League, it’s no secret that the latest Oklahoma City acquisition is expected to be an impactful player in his games for OKC in the coming season. However, Aday Mara seems to be a better player if he comes off the bench for the Thunder rather than starting right away, so he can complement their size problems.
Selected with the 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft — where the OKC roster has been replenished with elite talents over the years — Mara comes in as a crucial piece for the 2025 champions as they hope to stay on the competitive side in the years to come.
Why Aday Mara Is Better Off The Bench For The Thunder
However, rather than pushing him into the starting lineup, the Michigan product would actually benefit if he instead played as a reserve for OKC. After all, it’s rare for a rookie to get the starting role, especially if the Thunder already has two key centers in Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The OKC Roster Is Already Loaded With Talent
As one of the most talented squads in the league, it’s a given fact that the Thunder has some rotation issues over the postseason, even opting to use newer guys like Jared McCain rather than mainstay guys like Isaiah Joe, who then got traded earlier this offseason. So what does that mean for Mara?
Look, before Branden Carlson signed with Portland, he was also quite an impressive talent as well. He’s easily a great big man that Oklahoma City missed out on. Mara could easily be just another version of him, except that he offers a much bigger size than the latter, and his playmaking and shooting could definitely improve more than what Carlson has ever seen with the team.
Aday Mara tonight
10 PTS
9 REB
4 BLK
+4
23 MINMara’s rim protection stood out. Deterred a lot of shots in the paint.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 7, 2026
That being said, having so much talent means that Mara has to navigate his way into being a relevant performer in the squad. Considering that he will be a strong center who would provide a much different dynamic for OKC, he’s got to prove his worth in the long run.
Expect Daigneault To Experiment With Mara Lineups
Let’s get honest here: Mara was essentially drafted with the Thunder’s future in mind, going up against the likes of the San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets. These two big man-led teams pose a serious threat to OKC’s hopes of a league title. It cannot be denied that the team will be finding ways to integrate him into the lineup, definitely more of a priority than Bennett Stirtz to begin with.
Mara is similar to Hartenstein in that he has shown to be able to eat a lot of space and create opportunities with his size. His ability to shoot the three is a good thing, and it cannot be denied that he will be a crucial source of energy off the Thunder bench when both Holmgren and Hartenstein take a rest, or at least one of them to begin with.
If anything, this just means that Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault will definitely be fielding multiple lineups that feature Mara at the helm. He can be the lone big in that lineup, and it may even be a lineup that features all three centers at best.
Super smooth and silky footwork here from Aday Mara.
If this is a shot he can consistently hit at a high rate that forces teams to double the ball out of his hands, then you are really cooking with gas with him as a passer. pic.twitter.com/vyf2ur2TfQ
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) July 6, 2026
At seven-foot-three and possessing a nine-foot-nine standing reach, Mara is definitely someone you’d want to stay on the floor for as long as possible. The former Michigan center has done a great job in college to be one of the best defensive players in his own right, and he definitely can hang around with either Holmgren or Hartenstein to help OKC stay big on the court all the time.
Mara Must Reach His Full Potential With OKC
While Mara himself is starting to look like a prominent center who can actually bring in a new groove for Oklahoma City, the recent Summer League outings are yet to be convincing from the big man. Of course, he’s expected to be a viable defender in the NBA, much like Holmgren, who’s been a prominent defensive stalwart in his own right.
However, Mara is easily gassed on the floor, as seen in his games. He’s crafty in his shot-making, sure. Nevertheless, there’s just so much more to improve if he’s going to be a much better contributor on this OKC roster. Much like how Holmgren and Hartenstein have embraced their roles for OKC, Mara must find a way to improve his level of play in the long run.
Aday Mara is having a Victor Wembanyama/Rudy Gobert effect on defence with his length
Guaranteed future all defensive player. pic.twitter.com/RGC2eZr4WB
— Yaxel Lende-Beast (@GMZeroOG) July 6, 2026
The improvement stretch alone is a point to consider why Mara should instead come off the Thunder bench. However, given time, maybe the Michigan product could have what it takes to be a starting center en route to the playoffs.
Featured Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
