It is no secret that OKC Thunder rookie Aday Mara has experienced some growing pains since getting drafted 12th overall in June. His struggles have never been more scrutinized than when ESPN tabbed him as the "most disappointing rookie" in their latest article regarding Summer League awards.
At first glance, the negative recognition could spell doomsday for a Thunder team that desperately needed to add size behind Isaiah Hartenstein. But upon further review, it's clear why Mara hasn't panned out thus far, and why the big man's best is yet to come.
Though ESPN's article cited Mara's inability to find buckets and guard the rim, it also gave a valid reason for it. The chaotic pace of play is often dictated by faster guards, so it's no surprise Mara struggled to keep up.
In short, if such a style of play finds its way into a regular-season game, Mara won't even be in the lineup.
The article stated how the Michigan product's brightest moments came as a facilitator. Of course, therein lies the true promise of the young center.
Thunder's Aday Mara vision has been right in front of fans the whole time
The truth is, Mara excels in a role that is essential to Thunder basketball. If fans wish to see how he will fit in, then they need to look no further than their own starting center.
Hartenstein has been a major bright spot as a complementary piece in OKC's offense throughout his tenure.
It's why he attempted the 11th-most shots on the team yet had the second-highest offensive rating last year behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In other words, everybody on the floor benefits from his mere presence.
Mara already possesses a skill set comparable to Hart, who has proven to have commendable floor vision in his own right. The two are also above-average screen-setters. Throughout the past two years, the team has benefitted from countless picks by their big man at the top of the key, consistently setting up high-percentage shots.
The addition of Mara will allow the Thunder to play this brand of basketball for closer to 48 minutes per night, rather than the 24.2 Hartenstein averaged last year.
Players like Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell in the second unit will benefit greatly from playing alongside the 7-foot-3 giant. It wouldn't come as a surprise to see these players' shooting efficiency skyrocket as a result.
When in the right system, size can be irreplaceable. The Thunder have shown that with their beloved center in I-Hart.
Now they have two of them.
While fans can continue to expect a low-scoring output from the center position, they will surely enjoy seeing more wide-open looks from everyone else on the roster.
Add us as a preferred source on Google