The already-talented Oklahoma City Thunder made multiple selections in the 2026 NBA Draft that added even more talent to their roster, which they will send to Summer League. In the first round, the Thunder drafted Michigan big man Aday Mara and Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz. As for the second round, Oklahoma City took Kentucky guard Otega Oweh. All of them already had a taste of summer play in the Salt Lake City Summer League, showing off their talent. Nevertheless, all three players have questions surrounding their play as they head to Las Vegas for the actual Summer League. Let’s explore one question for each Thunder rookie playing for their Summer League team.
2026 NBA Summer League: 1 Question For Each Thunder Rookie
Aday Mara
Question: Can Mara Handle The Increased Physicality?
By taking Mara in the draft, the Thunder have set themselves up with a player who can be their starting center of the future. At his massive size of seven-foot-three, Mara can be a major interior presence on both ends of the floor. In both college and the couple of games he played in the Salt Lake Summer League, Mara has already proven himself to be a strong rim protector who can rack up blocks and rebounds. On the other end, Mara has demonstrated touch around the rim and intriguing passing for his size and position. He certainly can become an incredibly impactful player who would fit well in the frontcourt next to Chet Holmgren.
While Mara has a lot of things going for him as a player, he does have questions surrounding his play. Specifically, one big question for him is whether or not Mara can deal with the increased level of physicality playing against opposing prospects. Based on his first two games, Mara does look like he needs to improve at taking contact. In particular, there have been multiple possessions in both games where opposing players have powered right through his chest, dislodging him from his defensive position.
To be sure, his size and length still allow him to get a decent contest when that happens, but improving his strength is paramount. There are still plenty of games ahead of him in Summer League, but this is something to keep an eye out for.
Bennett Stirtz
Question: Will His Frame Be An Issue?
Stirtz is easily one of the best guard prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, which gives the Thunder incredible depth in the backcourt. During his time in college, Stirtz has proven himself to be an excellent shot-maker and offensive facilitator. As a pure scorer, he is fully capable of scoring on all three levels and does so efficiently. Not only that, but Stirtz can score both with and without the ball. What augments his offense to a higher level is the fact that Stirtz is an amazing floor general who possesses great court vision and passing ability. Stirtz has also shown some potential on the defensive end, having a solid feel as a disruptor in the passing lanes.
Stirtz has everything he needs to be a successful point guard in the NBA with the Thunder. However, one major question for Stirtz as he transitions into the league is whether or not his frame will be an issue. At times in college, Stirtz’s frame can become a detriment for him, as he lacks the strength to power through contact and finish at the rim. That made him settle for contested jumpers, which isn’t ideal despite his talent as a shooter. Furthermore, Stirtz can be outmuscled on the defensive end. As Stirtz makes his way through the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer League, his frame will be a point to watch for.
Otega Oweh
Question: Can Oweh Show Some Potential From Beyond The Arc?
In Oweh, the Thunder gets a well-built guard who projects to be a defensive-first wing. He has the physicality and physical tools to be a disruptor defender who can guard multiple positions. Offensively, Oweh’s best skill is his ability to drive into the paint to provide rim pressure, thriving in transition. His skills and physical attributes provide the Thunder with someone who can be a solid defensive wing.
However, the major question for Oweh as a prospect, and as he participates in Summer League, is whether or not he can show some potential as a shooter. This past season, Oweh had an inconsistent shooting season, only shooting 33.3% from three on 3.8 attempts per game. For Oweh to stick with the Thunder and the league, becoming an average shooter is a must for him. In his first two games this summer, Oweh has not hit a single three. While he will get more chances to show something from beyond the arc, Oweh’s shooting will need to be closely examined.
Featured Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
