While he may have been specifically talking about his connection with rookie Bennett Stirtz, lottery-selected big Aday Mara just gave OKC Thunder fans a reason to remain optimistic despite his sluggish start to Summer League.
During a recent interview, Mara admitted that a lack of practice together led to early struggles between him and his fellow first-round pick, noting that "it's hard to know each other on the court" without getting in ample behind-the-scenes work.
However, as time has gone by, the pivot believes it's now "way easier to play together" after more film sessions, practices, and games under their belt. To Mara, the growth in connection between him and Stirtz has "been great."
Frankly, this take on his relationship with the former Iowa guard could also be used as a reminder to Thunder fans that Mara's offseason woes throughout this summer's exhibition games are largely due to the fact that he still needs time to adjust to the NBA's style of play.
Of course, this shouldn't come as all that great of a shock to anyone considering he flat-out said this almost immediately after being snatched up with the 12 overall selection in last month's draft.
As he said to close out his latest interview, "time and practicing" is what's allowing him to get closer to where he feels he needs to be heading into his first year in the association.
Thunder rookie already showing signs of progress in Las Vegas
As noted, Mara's Summer League got off to a rather underwhelming start based on both the eye test and counting stats.
Over a two-game stretch out in Salt Lake City, the 21-year-old saw himself playing at a rather lethargic pace and producing mere per-game averages of just 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 4.0 turnovers while Oklahoma City went winless.
Fortunately, as with his on-court chemistry with Stirtz, it appears that the more time has passed, the more efficient and comfortable Mara has looked during in-game action.
In OKC's most recent outing during the Las Vegas stretch of Summer League, the incoming rookie posted a solid overall stat-line of 10 points, nine boards, four assists, and a block while shooting 66.7 percent from the floor.
During his 25 minutes of action, he not only showcased his impressive distribution skills, but also his evolving shooting stroke, even hitting a smooth jumper just inside of the top of the three-point arc.
At this point in his career, every day is an opportunity for Mara to continuing honing his skills to become a great complimentary piece to plug in alongside Thunder cornerstones Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Fans need to remember to remain patient.
Add us as a preferred source on Google