Clippers-Aday Mara Buzz Is Growing Before NBA Draft

With just two weeks until the NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers could be targeting an exciting prospect.

Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara controls the ball. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The NBA Draft is nearly here, and it's an exciting time for the Los Angeles Clippers. Should they stay at the fifth overall selection, they'll have an opportunity to add an elite rookie alongside Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard.

They have multiple options that make sense. In an article from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, he said, "Sources have indicated that the team is digging into all the top guard prospects as well as exploring potential trade-down scenarios that could result in them accumulating more assets."

The Clippers are the true wild card of the draft. It's unclear which direction they'll go, which gives LA leverage over other teams. However, it appears that one player is generating buzz for the Clippers.

Aday Mara Could End Up With the Clippers

Vecenie added, "I've also heard Aday Mara's name associated with the Clippers, although it's difficult to tell if that would be at No. 5 or in a potential trade down." Some analysts have mocked Mara as a top-10 pick, but it's more likely that he'll end up in the middle part of the draft.

It's certainly not surprising to see LA interested in the Michigan center. Mara is 7'3" with a 9'9" standing reach, which is tied for the second highest in combine history. The 21-year-old averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game with the Wolverines.

The Clippers desperately need size and shot-blocking ability at the center position. Brook Lopez is a serviceable stretch big, but he cannot operate as the team's starting center if they want to be a playoff contender next season. Yanic Konan Niederhauser is an intriguing player, but he still needs time to develop. Mara can help address this issue.

Taking Mara With the 5th Pick Could Be a Reach

Mara can protect the rim at a high level, but he's also an excellent finisher and a quality passer. Those skills can help him space the floor at the NBA level. However, taking Mara with the fifth pick could be quite risky. Many have pinned guard Keaton Wagler to the Clippers. LA desperately needs shooting, and Wagler's size and shot-making ability would be an ideal fit.

However, if the Clippers are intrigued by Mara, they should listen to offers from teams willing to move up in the draft. The Atlanta Hawks or the Charlotte Hornets could be potential trade partners. The Hawks have pick eight and 23, while the Hornets hold 14 and 18.

If LA is truly enamored with taking Mara, the best-case scenario would be to trade down, acquire draft capital, and select the intriguing center. That would be a perfect draft night for the Clippers. Of course, staying at five and selecting one of the top guards isn't off the table and would also be a viable option.