Through three preseason games, arguably the best and biggest storyline surrounding the OKC Thunder has been just how stellar big man Aday Mara is playing.
After an underwhelming showing in the NBA Summer League, Mara has answered critics in a big way -- ways, to be precise.
The Michigan product has done nearly everything OKC could ask of him.
In the first game, he played a complementary role, scoring 12 points on just five shot attempts and collecting nine boards.
In game two, he served as the punisher against the Bucks' overly aggressive defense. Playing with the Thunder's core, he was on the receiving end of countless lobs and came across a slew of other easy buckets. He would even end up leading the team in points with 22.
On Monday against the Hawks, he did a little of everything: he facilitated and dished out six assists, dominated on the glass by pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds, and displayed a high-end level of aggression, and was rewarded with an impressive 12 trips to the free-throw line.
Aday Mara more than a typical one-dimensional big for Thunder
On draft day, Mara was presumptuously given the title of "Wemby stopper." Measuring in at 7-foot-3, he represented a defensive countermove for the San Antonio Spurs' otherworldly center.
The label is undoubtedly a difficult one to live up to, but the big man may be ready to give the Thunder even more than what it suggests.
If his skills translate from the preseason into the regular season, he is more than just a defensive specialist.
Of course, his stature should easily alter opposing offensive possessions, but he is demonstrating a breadth of offensive prowess that could eventually earn him more minutes as the year progresses.
Aday Mara may have a higher ceiling than previously anticipated
When the giant was drafted, it was difficult to see how he could present as high a ceiling as some of the other prospects. The skyscraper seemingly had conditioning limitations and lacked a perimeter shot, thus rendering him ineffective in certain aspects of the game.
But Mara has played in all three preseason games, including a 33-minute stint in Monday's affair. He is defying all stereotypes early on in his NBA career and could eventually outplay his 12th-overall draft status.
Aday Mara's diverse skill set has been on full display in the Thunder's first three preseason games, and it has only made the team's center position all the more interesting.
While Isaiah Hartenstein may be set to start below the basket, Mara is coming, and he is pushing for more and more opportunities as time progresses.
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