The San Antonio Spurs are all set at the center position with Victor Wembanyama for many years to come, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooking notable prospects there in the upcoming NBA Draft.
This season, the Spurs will get a slight advantage in the first round, swapping with the Atlanta Hawks. In a recent mock draft that was put together by Bleacher Report, the Spurs land No. 20.
In that scenario, they take on the University of Michigan big man, Aday Mara.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Would The Spurs Be Wise To Select A Center?
The Spurs don’t need an instant starter in the upcoming draft, and they aren’t exactly desperate behind Wembanyama.
Multiple centers will see their contract expire at the end of the year (Mason Plumlee, Bismack Biyombo, Kelly Olynyk), while Luke Kornet has a contract through 2029.
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 25: Brandon Ingram #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the net against Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Scotiabank Arena on February 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
For a player like Mara, there wouldn’t be instant pressue, but there would be plenty to learn from, while entering a competitve situation.
“The Spurs clearly like having other interior options behind Victor Wembanyama, and they might need new alternatives,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley.
“Mara is another impossibly long defender and finisher, and while his perimeter gifts are limitedâhe can’t shoot or move well in spaceâhe does have great vision for a big.”
GettyAday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after dunking the ball during the second half against the St. John’s Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on October 25, 2025 in New York City.
The 20-year-old hails from Spain. He started his college career at UCLA, spending the past two seasons playing for them.
Over two seasons, Mara appeared in 61 games. He averaged 11.5 minutes on the court. During that time, he produced just 5.0 minutes per game, along with 3.1 rebounds per game.
Last April, Mara moved to Michigan to play for the Wolverines. This season, he’s got 39 games played, with an increase in playing time up to 23.2 minutes per game. The junior center has posted averages of 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
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