The Oklahoma City Thunder don't necessarily have an immediate problem with their center depth.
The return of Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason on a three-year, $75 million deal means the starting spot is locked down for the foreseeable future, and Jaylin Williams can still provide small-ball minutes there when necessary.
That gives them the luxury to take things slow with their unproven quantities in Thomas Sorber and Aday Mara. Sorber, who profiles as a versatile defensive big man with interior scoring upside, will appear in his first NBA games this season after missing the entirety of his rookie campaign with a torn ACL. Aday Mara, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has some work to do in terms of his conditioning and offensive polish— but he has a massive wingspan and major upside as a rim protector long-term within the Thunder's system.
The problem likely comes next offseason— is Oklahoma City willing to keep both players on the roster heading into 2027-28? And is there any world in which both pieces fit on the roster long-term together?
Sorber's path to a future with the Thunder likely lies in him diversifying his offensive game, allowing him to play next to Mara in big lineups for Oklahoma City and finding his niche with his defensive versatility. But he doesn't have the perimeter shot or the offensive bag currently to accomplish that, and that could leave him as the odd man out when the roster crunch ultimately circles back around in Oklahoma City.
Thomas Sorber needs to diversify his offensive game if he wants a future with the Thunder
Sorber is a solid prospect, and he was a worthy swing for the Thunder when he was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But the selection of Mara casts a shadow over his rookie season.
Neither Mara nor Sorber have a particularly diverse offensive game. Both are at their best when they have the ball in their hands in the low post, and neither has significant upside away from the basket.
Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his lone college season at Georgetown, and at 6'10", he has the height to be a solid interior defender for Oklahoma City. But he shot 16.2% from 3-point range during his time in college, and it doesn't seem like he has much upside to be unlocked as a floor spacer.
Some draft analysts have made the case that Mara does have that upside. He sunk three of his 10 perimeter shots during his time at Michigan, and his jump shot has looked somewhat fluid when he's been forced to use it.
But if we set that to the side, the Thunder simply cannot roll out two non-shooting big men on their roster long-term. Chet Holmgren's ability to shoot the 3-ball is what's made the pairing between him and Hartenstein so viable. If neither Mara nor Sorber has that ability, one will likely have to be moved at some point before the expiration of their rookie contracts.
Mara, at 7'3" and possessing a 7'6" wingspan, has the clear edge there over Sorber.
Sorber will likely see significant minutes during his sophomore campaign, and we'll see if the Thunder are willing to stretch him out in the four spot as the season progresses. But if he's not able to start diversifying his offensive game by the end of the season, his future in Oklahoma City will suddenly look a lot more bleak.
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