“My generation is super grateful for the generation before, like the Gasol brothers, Ricky, Navarro, Rudy Fernandez, like Sergio Llull,” Spanish rookie center Aday Mara stated on Monday. Entering the league with the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, the Zaragoza native spoke at preseason media day about the profound influence of Spanish basketball icons on his development.
Oklahoma City Integrates International Players for Upcoming Campaign
The Oklahoma City Thunder assembled a deep group of international players for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign. During Monday’s preseason media availability, the team’s European contingent demonstrated total readiness with an emphasis on learning the coaching staff’s system and building chemistry. Mara, selected with the 12th pick in the NBA draft by Oklahoma City, emphasized his humility regarding the transition to North American professional basketball.
Alongside Mara, Belgian guard Ajay Mitchell discussed altering his physical frame over the summer break to prepare for the rigors of the league. “I want to keep getting better,” Mitchell said, noting that he remains far from his ultimate development goals. The Thunder’s European baseline also features Serbian guard Nikola Topic and German big man Isaiah Hartenstein, rounding out a diverse roster ahead of training camp.
Mara Gains Professional Perspective in Spain
Eurohoops noted that Mara used the offseason to return to Spain briefly before joining the senior national team. That summer stint provided him with a vital perspective on competing alongside seasoned professionals following his stint in the NCAA. He noted that this period gave him another view of playing with professionals
after his time in college.
Mara Adapts to Professional Ranks During Training Camp
With Oklahoma City’s training camp opening on Tuesday, Mara faces a stark contrast between college athletics and the professional ranks. La primera impresión que tuve fue que era muy distinto con respecto al ‘college’; esto es otro nivel,
he noted, adding that Al final vas a jugar al baloncesto, aunque el primer impacto es, sin duda, importante.
Mara also shared that it was easy to adapt alongside Chet Holmgren due to the group of people on the team, and mentioned that he was very happy to see his coach Dusty May be glad about his draft selection after previously winning the NCAA title at Michigan alongside teammates Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg.
Following the conclusion of the exhibition slate, the Oklahoma City Thunder will open their 2026–27 regular season schedule on October 20 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center.
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