Oklahoma City Thunder · 5 notes
From Thunder practice: Jalen Williams says he enters the season "Super healthy. Shot feels amazing." He says he is stepping into an "older-ish guy vet role." Kenrich Williams says newcomer Aday Mara has potential to be "a first-team, second-team, all-defensive type of guy."
The Thunder started Josh Dix in the second half with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Aday Mara. "We wanted to see him with the returning rotation players," Mark Daigneault said. Otega Oweh was hurt in overtime, his second setback; no status given.
Aday Mara's passing was the plan in Oklahoma City's Oct. 12 preseason game. Playmaking hasn't been a foundational priority for him, Mark Daigneault said, but Mara earned the chance. Bennett Stirtz said they clicked after a rough first half, including a couple of alley-oops.
Aday Mara is getting post touches from Thunder veterans unprompted, which Mark Daigneault called "a sign of trust" for a rookie big. Teammates also run the floor for his deep outlet passes and look for him rolling to the rim, Daigneault said after the Oct. 7 preseason game.
Aday Mara logged long stretches in the Thunder's Oct. 6 preseason game. Mark Daigneault credited his offseason conditioning: "that's a lot of days that he stacked up with his head down on his body." Mara credited strength coach MJ, who came to Spain to work with him.