After years of searching for a long-term solution at the center position, the Golden State Warriors could turn to the 2026 NBA Draft. The Warriors have burned through a string of bigs in recent years, searching for the right fit for Steve Kerr’s system. Al Horford arguably comes closest to being the best match, but at 40 years old, he can’t be a cornerstone.
According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, via his latest mock draft, Golden State could take Michigan big man Aday Mara with the 11th pick in the upcoming draft. Mara, a 21-year-old 7’3 big with impressive passing ability and feel for the floor, would represent a strong investment in Golden State’s front court for years to come.
“The Warriors need a true center,” O’Connor wrote. “There is no better option in this range than Mara, who stepped on UCLA’s campus as a lottery-projected center from Spain. Then he fell off draft boards during two forgettable seasons there before transferring to Michigan and becoming one of the best true 5s in the country on his way to winning the national championship. He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing. The complication is he doesn’t shoot from outside, makes below 60% of his free throws, and opponents are going to attack him on the perimeter.”
The Warriors will have multiple options available with the 11th pick. Few of them, however, will plug a gap like Mara could, both for next season and the years ahead. Of course, Golden State could look to dangle the pick on the trade market, in the hopes of landing a proven veteran to help bolster the team’s chances of contending next season.
However, until the Warriors lock down their center position, they’re going to continue burning through veteran bigs at a yearly rate. Mara could be the ideal addition to Kerr’s team, and would instantly get playing time due to filling a position of need. Of course, we won’t know whether the Warriors’ front office sees things the same way until the team is on the clock come draft night.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Golden State Warriors land 7-foot-3 center in latest mock draft
Reporting by Adam Taylor, Warriors Wire / Warriors Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Taylor, Warriors Wire | USA TODAY Network
