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Thunder Find Their Answer to Victor Wembanyama, Draft Michigan Star Aday Mara

Thunder Find Their Answer to Victor Wembanyama, Draft Michigan Star Aday Mara

Summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Michigan center Aday Mara with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Mara is a tall and versatile player who helped Michigan win a national championship and could help the Thunder compete against top teams like the San Antonio Spurs.

Key Facts

  • The Thunder won the NBA championship in 2025 and reached the Western Conference Finals again in 2026.
  • Oklahoma City picked Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3, 260-pound center from Michigan, in the 2026 draft.
  • Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game last season.
  • He shot 66.8% from the field and won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
  • Mara helped Michigan win a national college basketball championship.
  • The Thunder’s current star players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
  • The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, defeated the Thunder in the recent Western Conference Finals.
  • Mara’s size, defense, and improving 3-point shooting give the Thunder a new way to compete against Wembanyama and other top players.
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