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Thunder’s Aday Mara responds to ‘Wemby Stopper’ label
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- Thunder’s Aday Mara responds to ‘Wemby Stopper’ label
Thunder's Aday Mara responds to 'Wemby Stopper' label appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Oklahoma City Thunder used the No. 12 overall pick on former Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara . Almost immediately after being selected by OKC, fans on social media deemed Mara as the secret weapon for the team to defend San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama , calling him the "Wemby Stopper."
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Shortly after being drafted, the Spanish native was informed of his new label and seemed open to the idea of becoming a lockdown defender against Wembanyama. Mara sort of laughed it off and admitted it would be a tough job guarding the Spurs' superstar, but he is ultimately ready for the challenge .
"Obviously, Wemby is a great player," said Mara. "It's gonna be a huge challenge. But I'm looking forward [to] it. I mean, yeah. I guess whatever the coach says. If I have to try to stop him, I will try… I'm ready, yeah. I don't know how yet, but I will do it."
While Victor Wembanyama stands at 7-foot-5 and has the ability to play basketball like a guard, Aday Mara brings some size to the court in his own right. At 7-foot-3, the 21-year-old center brings tenacity to the table as a defender. His 7-foot-6 wingspan gives Mara an impressive 9-foot-9 standing reach.
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In his lone season at Michigan, he helped the program win a championship, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. He also led the Big Ten in field goal percentage, hitting 66.8% of his attempts.
Aday Mara plays more like a traditional center, as a majority of his game is played in the paint. The Thunder's new rookie may serve as a rotational piece to begin his career, but Mara has the potential of becoming a star-caliber center in the NBA, and could force Chet Holmgren to play more of a power forward role, which he already kind of does.
Related: How Thunder GM Sam Presti addressed WCF flaws versus Victor Wembanyama, Spurs in 2026 draft
Related: Skip Bayless thinks Thunder found an 'antidote' for Victor Wembanyama in NBA Draft
