Thunder add Mara and Stirtz to fuel championship pursuit
OKC drafted Aday Mara at No. 12 and moved up to No. 16 to select Bennett Stirtz, aiming to strengthen rim protection and playmaking on rookie-scale deals as they chase another deep playoff run. Mara adds versatile frontcourt size with elite reach and elbow-pass potential; Stirtz brings high-IQ, pick-and-roll scoring and shooting, though defense and strength aren’t elite. Neither is likely to play major minutes right away, but both fit Presti’s plan to add ready-made contributors and depth.
