Aday Mara could make Luke Kornet and Tarris Reed Jr. a Spurs necessity against the Thunder

Oklahoma City has played four preseason games so far this season, and their 12th overall pick has looked damn good. While these are just exhibition games, if Spurs Nation can be excited about what we're seeing from Tarris Reed Jr. and Ja'Kobi Gillespie, we have to acknowledge what Aday Mara has done over the past week... especially considering how dismissive some of us have been of him.

The 7'3" Michigan alum is averaging 15 per game with eye-popping efficiency at 81% FG. He hasn't been a threat from deep, but Mara has shot 19 free throws and knocked down 15 of them (85%). Well, the next question is, "Does he play big?" The kid has 29 boards and 11 blocks through four games. So, yes. A real threat could be emerging.

There are two ways the Spurs could approach this potential problem: stay small and attack Mara's lack of foot speed, playing a proverbial game of chicken with OKC to see which style creates more advantages, forcing the other team to blink first. Or throw another big man out there, opting for what gamers call a "mirror match."

The Spurs will likely try both options against Mara lineups

No matter what he's done in the preseason, Aday has never seen the likes of Victor Wembanyama before. He's never had to contain Stephon Castle coming downhill at him with bad intentions. The Spurs will likely try their way first. One big next to a variation of guards and not overwhelmingly large wings. Maybe that will be enough.

It won't be easy to chase Wemby around the floor. He screens, cuts, and flares like a guard, but the inevitable mismatches Mara will find himself in could also be a nightmare. But if the talent we've seen thus far carries over, the ex-Wolverine will find a way to give it back to San Antonio.

If OKC's way is winning out, Mitch Johnson may need to turn to Western Conference Finals Game 7 hero himself, Luke Kornet, and/or Tarris Reed Jr. for backup.

The flexibility to throw huge lineups at opponents when necessary is exactly why you draft Reed and Jayden Quaintance. JQ won't be ready for at least a few more months, but his recovery won't last forever. When he returns healthy, the Spurs will be some of the biggest bullies on the block. Size will never be an issue.

Of course, this all depends on Mara's ability to take what he's doing in the preseason into the gauntlet of 82, but we'll get an early peek on October 20 when these teams face off on opening night.

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