​SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 4: Aday Mara #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs up the court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first of of their 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game at the Jon M Huntsman Center on July 4, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Aday Mara after he is drafted twelfth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) GettyThe Oklahoma City Thunder already have one of the NBA’s most intimidating frontcourts, but rookie Aday Mara could give them something they have been missing in their battles against San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama.GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot against Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Veteran guard Alex Caruso offered a fascinating glimpse into Mara’s potential during Thunder media day, revealing that the rookie’s offensive abilities extend well beyond his enormous frame. For a team preparing to get back to the NBA championship after losing in the WCF, that combination could become an intriguing weapon against its Western Conference rivals.“Aday is just a monster, obviously,” Caruso said in a media day video shared by Derek Parker, NBA Draft and Thunder publisher for On SI. “Obviously, there are times where you think you have it and he just grabs the ball. He puts it in or shoots a floater. No one is touching it.”Caruso’s observations became even more interesting when he discussed the skills that weren’t necessarily apparent during Mara’s college career.Alex Caruso Reveals Aday Mara’s Surprising Offensive Potential“But his ball skills are really, like, he can pass. He can dribble. Has a