NBA executives surely salivated over Michigan’s formidable front line as the Wolverines raced to a national championship.
Tuesday’s first round of the NBA Draft cemented that notion, as Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9 to Dallas), Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 to Golden State) and Aday Mara (No. 12 to Oklahoma City) each were lottery picks.
While Johnson Jr.’s reunion with former Michigan coach Dusty May offers intrigue and Lendeborg projects as an instant difference-maker, Mara might be sitting prettiest, although OKC would prefer he stay upright.
Mara’s size and versatility help make the Thunder one of the clear first-round winners, a group that includes a club that finished 39 games behind Oklahoma City in the Western Conference last season, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Indeed, OKC won the West in 2025-26, looking sharp and efficient as a young core pushed to defend its NBA title.
Then injuries took a toll, causing secondary scoring behind star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to grow inconsistent as the Thunder squandered a 3-2 series lead against San Antonio in the West finals.
If not a go-to scoring option — OKC still has SGA leading its Big 3, after all — the 7-foot-3 Mara gives coach Mark Daigneault endless possibilities as a reliable two-way pillar. Mara earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in his lone season with Michigan after transferring from UCLA, and his tussles with Spurs big Victor Wembanyama figure to be appointment viewing.
He may not favor the perimeter game as much, however, at least to start. Mara attempted 10 3-pointers last season, hitting three, an uptick after he tried nary a trey in his first two collegiate seasons.
The Thunder shouldn’t panic, though, even in a league that’s increasingly reliant on long-range shooting. They later landed Iowa marksman Bennett Stirtz after trading with the Grizzlies to acquire the No. 16 pick.
Also a strong defender, Stirtz can help shore up the guard rotation after the Thunder’s recent trade of Aaron Wiggins and with other expected roster moves looming for a group aiming to reload for another title run.
It might not be for another few seasons, but the Grizzlies could present a challenge for the West crown after taking strong steps Tuesday night. Third overall selection Cameron Boozer was under consideration as the top pick in a crop of dazzling college freshmen, and the former Duke star is poised to embrace the pressure that comes with his lofty selection.
Memphis added to its frontcourt later in the first round via trade. International forward Karim Lopez might not be as well-known as Boozer, the ACC Player of the Year, yet still offers promise.
As with Boozer, Lopez stands 6-8. Unlike his new teammate, he already has played alongside pros. The Mexican-born 19-year-old suited up for the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian NBL for the past two seasons. He averaged 11.9 points on 49% shooting last year while grabbing 6.1 rebounds per game.
The Grizzlies could nab another high-impact player with the second selection of Wednesday’s second round, while the Thunder pick seventh.
The buzz behind their respective first rounds figures to last a while, either way.
