Aday Mara’s not-so-obvious skill something Thunder are quickly taking advantage of

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault highlighted rookie center Aday Mara's playmaking skills following Wednesday's 128-126 preseason loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Daigneault noted that teammates are actively leveraging the 7-foot-3 big man's deep outlet passing, gravity as a roll-man, and interior footwork. Mara has recorded 34 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks while shooting a perfect 15-for-15 from the field across two preseason contests.

Writer Mark Nilon reports that fellow rookie Bennett Stirtz is also impressing early for the Thunder. The 16th overall pick scored 20 points, hit four three-pointers, and collected five rebounds in 22 minutes against Milwaukee.