Right now, and for the foreseeable future, the value of centers that are above the height of seven feet, with dominant abilities on both ends of the court, is through the roof. Why? Because of Victor Wembanyama. He is the perfect example of what a big man with insane measurements can become. This hope could lead the LA Clippers into snagging Aday Mara off the board fifth overall, which is a bit higher than he’s projected to go, as he fits the description of Wembanyama to a T.
Additionally, Mara’s measurements make the hype reasonable. He is really 7 feet 3 inches tall, at about 260 pounds of sheer muscle, with a standing reach that lets him touch the rim without even jumping.
That’s absolutely insane, and while Mara and Wembanyama may have different playstyles offensively, they are both top-notch rim protectors.
If Mara can evolve into the type of player Wembanyama is defensively, or anything even remotely close, taking him at number five would be one of the smartest moves in franchise history.
Victor Wembanyama might have the Clippers sold on Aday Mara
Size truly does wonders in the sport of basketball, and through Victor Wembanyama, the LA Clippers have reason to believe that Aday Mara is one of the most bust-proof prospects out of the entire 2026 draft class. His floor feels like he can be a high-end role player, which speaks volumes, as not many can relate to that.
In his junior season for the Michigan Wolverines, Mara showcased it all, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks, while shooting an absurdly efficient 66.8% from the floor.
Then, if you look a little deeper at his stats, particularly in the advanced categories, it is hard not to notice that he led the entire country with a 12.0% block percentage. That’s pretty impressive for a 21-year-old who didn’t play a ton at UCLA.
Ultimately, almost everything about Mara, with the exception of concerns about mobility, which is somewhat understandable, is a green flag. He could realistically average a double-double as a rookie and simultaneously build a name for himself as one of the premier shot-blockers in the league.
That said, Wembanyama himself has certainly elevated the stock of a guy like Mara. And, it’s not like the Michigan product is all height, and that’s why his stock is boosted.
No, Mara has an excellent blend of length and skill, which is what makes him so appealing.
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