The 7-foot-3 center from Michigan is known for his passing ability, having averaged 2.4 assists in his lone college season with the Wolverines. Born and raised in Spain, Mara brings strong fundamentals that could help him become one of the premier passing big men in the league as he transitions to the NBA.
Jokic’s influence on the league over the past five seasons has been transformative. He redefined the center position with his scoring and playmaking, earning MVP honors in 2021, 2022, and 2024 and helping to spark a renewed emphasis on size and skill in team-building. A preseason survey highlighted by ESPN suggested that teams increasingly value size in roster construction, a trend some analysts attribute in part to Jokic’s style of play. Critics and fans alike have praised Jokic as a standout offensive performer, capable of scoring efficiently from inside and beyond the arc, and as an elite passer for a big man, with strong offensive rebounding when needed.
This trend toward bigger lineups is reflected in recent drafting. Portland selected Yang Hansen, a player whose game mirrors Jokic’s in some respects, though Hansen still needs development to translate his potential into impact. The arrival of Viktor Wembanyama is also prompting many teams to bolster frontcourt depth, a move that amplifies the importance of versatile big men. Mara’s inclusion in Oklahoma City places him in a rotation alongside notable bigs such as Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams, all part of a Thunder roster looking to capitalize on size and skill in the post-Jokic era of the league.
Looking ahead, Jokic’s contract situation is a talking point of the NBA offseason. While he has expressed a desire to remain with the Nuggets for his career, he has not yet signed an extension. Reports indicate he will likely sign a new deal with Denver next year. With two years left on his current contract and a player option for the 2027-28 season, he could sign a four-year, $278 million extension this offseason, or wait until next summer for a five-year, $359.5 million commitment.
The ongoing evolution of the league continues to center around versatile big men who can impact the game with high-level passing, scoring efficiency, and decision-making. Mara’s development will be watched closely as teams increasingly value players who can contribute as playmakers from the frontcourt. As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Mara adapts to the NBA and how Jokic’s enduring influence shapes the next generation of centers.
