Aday Mara knows his role in OKC: "The challenge is to do simple things"

Aday Mara faces the hours leading up to his possible debut in the NBA with positive feelings after a preseason in which he has made a strong impression. The Zaragoza center is on the verge of becoming, if his coach considers it appropriate, the first Aragonese player to play in the best basketball league in the world. The opportunity could arise this coming Wednesday morning at 3:30 AM, on the court of the San Antonio Spurs.

In an interview granted to the specialized program Drafteados, the player from Oklahoma City Thunder reviewed his adaptation to the team, his role within the roster, and the feelings left by his first experience in the NBA.

A preseason that started in Spain

Mara explained that the preparation prior to his arrival in the United States was crucial for landing in Oklahoma in good condition. “They set me up with a plan, with a coach from here… I arrived well in Oklahoma and felt very comfortable from the first moment,” he pointed out.

The center recalled that the first weeks were marked by scrimmages with teammates, in which he felt at ease. Then, his good performance during the preseason allowed him to approach the games with confidence. “Playing with good players makes everything easier,” he acknowledged.

A defined role from day one

The Aragonese player also talked about how the roles of rookie players are established in an already formed team. As he explained, rookies have conversations with the coaches from their arrival to understand the importance of their function within the roster.

“You join an established team, with players who have their roles, and you’re not going to come in and take charge,” he stated. Therefore, Mara keeps an eye on players in his position and is clear about what his tasks should be during his first season. “I observe what others do in my position, you pay attention, and the challenge this first year is to do simple things. I do dunks, layups, play in transition… That is my role, and it will be my role throughout the year.”

The center also highlighted the good relationship he is building with his teammates, who seek his involvement on the court. For him, that trust is more important than his individual statistics during the preparation. “The trust with teammates comes from doing well the things they ask of you. I’m happier to have gained trust with my teammates than with the statistics from the preseason,” he assured.

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The closeness of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Mara had kind words for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two-time NBA MVP, with whom he shares a locker room. The young player praised both the point guard's work ethic and personal demeanor.

“People who succeed don't do so because they've had luck. The coach showed us how much he worked in overtime when he arrived, you see how he talks to you, what he’s like as a person… You go from watching him play in the finals to having him as a teammate, the interaction is different, but at the same time he’s a really nice guy,” he explained.

Moreover, he pointed out that communication between the two has been easy from the beginning. Mara asks him how he wants him to set screens and when he prefers to have space to play. “With him, it’s simple. I’m surprised by the closeness we’ve had from the start,” he added.

The challenge of facing Victor Wembanyama

One of the topics of the interview was the possible matchup with Victor Wembanyama, the star of the San Antonio Spurs, in the game that could mark Mara’s debut in the NBA.

When asked about his supposed role as a defender against the French center, the Zaragoza native downplayed the challenge and reminded that he has not yet played any official games in the competition.

“Wemby is an All-Star who knows what he is, he’s had veteran players who couldn’t stop him, and I haven’t debuted yet. I’m not going to overthink it,” he replied with a smile.

The professional dimension of the NBA

Finally, Mara explained what has surprised him the most about the organization and resources available in an NBA team. The player highlighted the number of people who work to meet the needs of the roster, both during travels and in daily life.

“I was surprised that within the team they have someone for everything. We have 7-8 security personnel for each trip, if you need anything for the house, there’s someone to help you… there are a lot of people for the little things,” he commented.

He also expressed being impressed by the travel conditions of the team. “On trips, the planes are amazing, you have incredible space, they serve you food…” he concluded.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Aday Mara tiene claro su rol en OKC: "El reto es hacer cosas sencillas"