Aday Mara’s least exciting preseason outing is actually Thunder’s most encouraging

G.C. Bellchamber of Thunderous Intentions argues that Oklahoma City Thunder rookie center Aday Mara's modest preseason performance against the Indiana Pacers was his most encouraging display yet. Despite scoring just 10 points in under 19 minutes, Bellchamber writes that Mara looked fully capable of handling a consistent backup center role within head coach Mark Daigneault's regular-season rotation.

Across four preseason games, Mara has averaged 15.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 79.3% from the field. Bellchamber notes that this steady development has alleviated conditioning concerns lingering from Mara's college days at Michigan and his difficult Summer League run.