Thunder’s Mark Daigneault highlights Aday Mara as biggest offseason riser appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Mark Daigneault discussed the growth he’s seen in rookie Aday Mara. Thunder rookie Mara is projected to shine defensively for Oklahoma City. It’s one of the biggest reasons he was selected 12th overall in this year’s draft.
Before Mara’s Thunder debut, Daigneault addressed the growth he’s seen in the 7-foot-3 prospect during his pregame media availability, per Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almanza.
“He made significant progress from summer league to camp. As I mentioned yesterday, summer league is kind of an out-of-context data point. It’s a data point, nonetheless, but it’s right after the draft,” Daigneault said. “Those guys have just gone through a great grueling draft process. It’s high-stress and not optimal for performance, and when you’re 7’3, that makes it even more challenging. I think getting into the rhythm of conditioning and predictable workouts — he was in Spain a lot of the time — but he was working really hard.
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“And he came into camp in really good shape, and pretty primed up. Not 10 out of 10, but nobody does, but certainly pretty strong coming from summer league. That’s shown up on both ends of the floor. His impact kind of speaks for itself. He’s a high-impact player because of the rim protection, the mobility, the size, and offensively, the rolling, and the hands. So, that’s all there. And when you add the conditioning to that, it’s pretty good. So, I’m excited to see him in these preseason games for sure,” Daigneault concluded.
Mark Daigneault on Aday Mara: “I think he made significant progress from summer league to camp.” pic.twitter.com/i4LG9vIGql
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 6, 2026
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In addition to playing for the Spain’s men’s national basketball team, Aday Mara played for the Thunder in summer league during the offseason. The Thunder will host the Pelicans in Tusla on Tuesday.
Related: NBA rumors: Thunder hit with $30 million Cason Wallace warning amid contract talks
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