Michigan's Aday Mara turns heads with eye-popping measurements at NBA Draft Combine

Even in a stacked draft, Mara's measurements make him a fascinating prospect and the likely 2026 top-ranked center in a guard-heavy class. According to The Ringer's big board — updated on Apr. 29 — Mara ranks as the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 1 center, with J. Kyle Mann writing that "He's a literal and figurative enormous obstacle on defense and a gigantic target on offense."

While the league continues gravitating toward small-ball lineups, there's still a place in the league for players like Mara who can take away looks at the rim, forcing opponents to take longer twos — the least efficient shot in the modern NBA — when shooting from inside the arc. And with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama slowly taking over the sport, someone of Mara's size could be extremely valuable on a contender, perhaps the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the No. 12 pick via the Los Angeles Clippers. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has a $28.5M club option for 2026-27 before hitting unrestricted free agency, and adding Mara in the draft could help Oklahoma City prepare for his possible exit next offseason.

Mara should receive plenty of interest in the next month leading up to the draft, with the first round set for June 23. Players of his stature don't come around often. Mara's rare physical traits make him one of this year's more intriguing prospects, but only one team will be lucky enough to grab him.