Warriors select Michigan big in first round of new CBS NBA mock draft

Throughout the NBA draft process, the wing position has been a popular target for the Golden State Warriors in different mock drafts. Wings like Yaxel Lendeborg, Cameron Carr, Nate Ament and Karim Lopez have been names linked to the Warriors. Guards like Brayden Burries and Labaron Philon have also been slotted alongside the Warriors at No. 11 overall in mock drafts.

Yet, what if the Warriors address the frontcourt? In the latest mock draft from Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports, Michigan big man Aday Mara lands with the Warriors at No. 11. According to Finkelstein, it’s Mara’s ability as a facilitator in the frontcourt that could be what makes him a fit with the Warriors.

Mara has real momentum in the draft process and could be off the board before this. At 7-foot-3 (without shoes), he’s a giant, even by NBA standards, and a tremendous rim protector. He’s also got sneaky mobility, good hands, real passing ability, and provides vertical spacing. With Steve Kerr returning next season, the Warriors’ style of play will be staying largely the same, and Mara’s facilitating ability fits that.

Mara has real momentum in the draft process and could be off the board before this. At 7-foot-3 (without shoes), he’s a giant, even by NBA standards, and a tremendous rim protector. He’s also got sneaky mobility, good hands, real passing ability, and provides vertical spacing. With Steve Kerr returning next season, the Warriors’ style of play will be staying largely the same, and Mara’s facilitating ability fits that.

In his lone season at Michigan, the 7-foot-3 Spanish big man averaged 12.1 points on 66.8% shooting from the field with 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest. On the way to winning the national title for the Wolverines, Mara was a pillar in the Wolverines defense, recording 103 blocks to lead all of college basketball. Mara was named Big-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

Prior to joining Dusty May at Michigan, Mara played two seasons at UCLA for Mick Cronin. Mara played in 61 games for the Bruins, averaging five points and 3.1 rebounds per contest.

The first round of the NBA draft is set for Tuesday, June 23 in Brooklyn, New York.

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