After posting the league’s best record at 64-18, the Thunder picked up three players in this week’s draft who they believe will make them even better, writes Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz and Otega Oweh were introduced Friday at a press conference in Oklahoma City.
Mara, a 7’3″ center, was the 12th overall pick after winning a national championship at Michigan. His exceptional passing skills for a big man will add another dimension to OKC’s offense.
“When someone sees it or feels the game that way, that is the kind of thing that builds energy in the team,” general manager Sam Presti said. “We have a lot of guys who are extremely talented, and they’ve been asked to make room for other talented players in order for the team to be successful. He intuitively speaks that language for us from a basketball sense.”
The Thunder traded up to No. 16 to draft Stirtz, who became a star at Iowa after beginning his college career in Division II. The feeling of being overlooked has driven him to succeed.
“It’s just extra motivation every day. Practice. Shootaround,” Stirtz said. “The second you step on the court, you have that motivation because people didn’t believe in you.”
Oweh, the 41st pick out of Kentucky, is the younger brother of NFL linebacker Odafe Oweh and credits that relationship with helping him become tough and competitive. At 6’5″, he fits the mold of aggressive Oklahoma City wing defenders.
“I’m excited to get this going,” Oweh said. “The type of player y’all are getting is a junkyard dog. You’re gonna see an improvement from me any time I step on the court.”
There’s more from Oklahoma City:
- Mara was a little surprised to wind up with the Thunder because he didn’t work out for them before the draft (video link from The Oklahoman). He did talk to team officials at the combine in Chicago and said that went “really, really good.”
- The new three-year, $75MM contract for Isaiah Hartenstein leaves OKC $10.2MM above the tax line, $2.2MM over the first apron and $10.8MM away from the second apron, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link). Those estimates include new contracts for the two first-round picks, but not the team options for Luguentz Dort ($17.7MM) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2MM).
- Although it was difficult to part with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who are headed out in separate deals, the Thunder believed it was necessary to get control of their finances and to clear roster spots for the draft picks, per Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Joe ($11.32MM) and Wiggins ($9.02MM) were set to make a combined $20.35MM next season, but trading them could save the team an estimated $140MM in tax penalties. “Those guys have been great contributors to our team and community, and they’re a big part of what we have accomplished,” Presti said. “I’m going to miss them personally and professionally, but I know they will do great things with their new teams.”
