The Oklahoma City Thunder have run head-first into a string of absolutely brutal injury luck. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are both going to miss significant time this season. Maybe the entire season. OKC will need more scoring outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. So, maybe they try to tap into some of rookie Aday Mara’s offensive talent.
Mara has come into the NBA with inherent advantages. He’s massive. He’s bigger than most players across the league. But not only that, but he’s also very skilled for his position. He has good touch around the rim, he’s a very smart passer, and he knows where to be in the pick-and-roll. There’s a lot of offensive juice to be tapped into.
It’s very early in his career. He’s just a rookie. But the Thunder need offensive output. So, perhaps trying to lean into his offensive talent could be smart.
Thunder could lean into Aday Mara
During his third and final collegiate season, Mara won a National Championship with Michigan. His defensive talent was the most impressive skill he showed off, but he’s very skilled on offense, too.
Mara’s passing might be the best thing he brings to the table. At his height, his playmaking awareness is absolutely elite. He can make plays out of the post and in the pick-and-roll.
The rookie’s height is also an unbelievable advantage that the Thunder should capitalize on. Posting him up and allowing him to thrive as an offensive hub, though risky this early in his career, could be a worthwhile endeavor.
Williams is out. Wallace is out. Guys are inevitably going to miss time. Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell can’t be the Thunder’s only offensive hubs all season.
Why not develop Mara early on? Let him get some offensive touches in competitive spots. Play him big-time minutes with big-time responsibilities. Let him cook.
Mara didn’t play much on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks (a game in which the Thunder got blown out). And he definitely needs to watch out for foul trouble.
But there is certainly some real offensive skill for the Thunder to tap into. Put him in the pick-and-roll with Gilgeous-Alexander. Get him a cross-match and let him post up.
Figure out the best places for Mara to be on the court so he can be the most comfortable on the offensive end. And from there, the Thunder can begin to lean on him as the season goes on.
With all the bad injury luck hitting OKC, elevating the rookie’s role could be smart.
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