Thunder Rookie Aday Mara Continues Strong Preseason Run
Oklahoma City rookie Aday Mara kept up his strong preseason form against Atlanta, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and six blocks. Fellow rookie Bennett Stirtz added 26 points, but the Thunder still lost and fell to 0-3 in exhibition play. Mara's role may shrink in the regular season behind Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren.
Aday Mara, Oklahoma City’s rookie center, built on a perfect shooting start to exhibition play. Across his first two games he made all 15 field-goal attempts, then against Atlanta he posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and six blocks. He also had five turnovers and shot 4-for-9.
Bennett Stirtz scored 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting, adding five assists and four rebounds. Oklahoma City remained winless in three preseason games. Mara’s regular-season minutes may be limited by Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams, though his 7-foot-4 size and 7-foot-6 wingspan offer unusual passing and shot-blocking.
Mara’s preseason surge could raise fan interest in Oklahoma City’s development pipeline and give local supporters a reason to follow early-season games. It may also increase expectations for the rookie and create pressure if his minutes shrink behind established big men. For the broader basketball audience, his passing and shot-blocking could draw attention to versatile big-man play.