Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
Thunder rookie Aday Mara impresses in preseason
Aday Mara, a rookie center from Spain, is making a strong early impression with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder selected him 12th overall in June.
In his first two preseason games, he averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game.
He made all 15 of his shots from the field.
Before the draft and during Summer League, there were concerns about his conditioning.
Mara worked with the team’s athletic performance director over the summer and also played for Spain in two World Cup qualifying games in August.
He said he felt good but sometimes tired during games with few breaks, and expects his conditioning to improve with more practice and playing time.
Rookie center Aday Mara has impressed the Oklahoma City Thunder during training camp and the preseason.
The Spanish center was selected 12th overall in June.
In his first two exhibition games, Mara averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game.
He made all 15 of his field goal attempts in those games.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said veteran players’ willingness to pass to Mara showed trust in him.
- Who
- Aday Mara, a rookie center for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- What
- He has impressed the team in training camp and preseason. In his first two exhibition games, he averaged 17.0 points and made all 15 of his field goal attempts.
- When
- During training camp and the preseason in fall 2026.
- Where
- With the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mara was selected 12th overall in the draft.
Mara worked with athletic performance director Maral Javadifar to build his endurance.
Mara represented Spain in two World Cup qualifying games.
Mara impressed in his first two exhibition games, averaging 17.0 points per game.
- Draft position
- 12th overall
- Exhibition games
- 2
- Points per game
- 17.0
- Rebounds per game
- 7.5
- Field goals
- Made all 15 attempts
What people are saying
That’s a sign of trust.
As soon as I know how to manage all of these efforts, I think I’ll be even better.
Sources
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