The Western Conference is setting up for another collision between Oklahoma City and San Antonio. Youth, coaching, chemistry and playoff experience put the Thunder and Spurs at the top of S³’s preseason outlook. Both have the talent to contend now, with young players who can make them even more dangerous as the season develops.
Oklahoma City’s rookie center Aday Mara offered an early glimpse of how he could contribute to that battle.
Mara recorded 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks in just 18 minutes during Tuesday’s 116–110 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He went 5-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. That is an efficient, complete performance for a rookie getting his first taste of NBA preseason basketball.
The scoring catches the eye. The rebounding, passing and shot-blocking make his potential role even more interesting. Mara showed production in the areas that can help a contender finish defensive possessions and keep its offense moving.
At 7-foot-3, Mara brings considerable size. What impressed me most was the foundation underneath it: good footwork and an educated post game. He understands positioning and how to create a finishing angle. I see the potential for that post game to become elite, and I believe his development could move quickly.
The next step is making his counters dependable against NBA defenders. When an opponent takes away his first move, he needs another answer. Finishing with either hand and maintaining balance through contact would make him increasingly difficult to handle inside.
That is where the Wembanyama matchup enters the picture.
Victor Wembanyama’s athleticism and range create a demanding assignment. Mara’s route to competing with him is through positioning, reach, rebounding and skill. If Mara develops into a reliable post scorer, he could also make Wembanyama work physically on defense. Deep seals and efficient finishes can put pressure on even an exceptional shot-blocker.
The connection was already being discussed on draft night. Mara was asked about being viewed as a potential Wembanyama stopper. He welcomed the challenge while acknowledging he did not yet know how he would approach it. He also expressed confidence that playing alongside Chet Holmgren could strengthen Oklahoma City’s rim protection.
Sam Presti’s public explanation emphasized Mara’s overall combination of feel for the game and rim protection, rather than drafting him specifically as a Wembanyama stopper. In S³’s view, those qualities also give the Thunder another weapon for the San Antonio matchup.
OKC’s core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Jalen Williams remains under Mark Daigneault. San Antonio counters with Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper under Mitch Johnson, with a Finals run providing valuable experience. That combination of star power, coaching and growth potential is why S³ favors these two teams to meet again in the Western Conference Finals.
Minnesota looks like a strong candidate for the No. 3 spot. LaMelo Ball’s playmaking could ease Anthony Edwards’ workload and create better scoring opportunities, while Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels provide defensive anchors. The Timberwolves have the talent to challenge the leaders. How quickly their new lineup establishes chemistry will help determine how close they get.
Denver remains dangerous with Nikola Jokić, but S³ does not believe its offseason moves closed the gap. DeMar DeRozan adds scoring, while Peyton Watson’s departure leaves another defensive concern. Questions about defense and backcourt depth remain. To dethrone either favorite, Denver needs a supporting roster that can withstand their pressure across a seven-game series.
Mara’s debut is one encouraging step. His footwork, post potential and ability to contribute in several areas make him a rookie worth watching closely. If the Spurs and Thunder meet again with a trip to the Finals on the line, his development could help determine what options Oklahoma City has when the possessions become tougher and the stakes become higher.
