The Sacramento Kings are building something intriguing, but if there's one area that still feels a little light-it’s size. Not just height-for-the-sake-of-height, but impactful, game-changing size.
Maxime Raynaud has been solid, and Dylan Cardwell has shown flashes, but the Kings could use a true anchor in the middle. That’s where Aday Mara enters the conversation.
At 7-foot-3, Mara brings a rare blend of size, skill, and international experience that could give Sacramento a serious edge in the frontcourt arms race that’s sweeping across the NBA. Ever since the Spurs landed Victor Wembanyama, the league has been on the lookout for the next towering talent who can protect the rim and stretch the floor.
It’s not just about being tall anymore-it’s about being tall and versatile. Mara fits that mold.
Right now, Raynaud is the only player on Sacramento’s roster over 6'10", and while he’s been holding it down at 7'1", he’s doing it largely without a true counterpart. Cardwell has potential, but he’s still logging most of his minutes in the G League. That’s fine for development, but if the Kings want to keep pace with the evolving landscape of the Western Conference, they’ll need more than just one reliable big.
Enter Aday Mara-the “Spanish Dragon.”
Before arriving in the U.S., Mara logged three years of FIBA experience in Europe, where he built a reputation as a skilled, high-IQ big man. He spent a season at UCLA but struggled to find consistent minutes, which led him to transfer to Michigan. Now, he’s seeing the floor more regularly and turning heads, landing at No. 13 on FanSided’s NBA Draft Big Board.
Defensively, Mara is a force. He’s not just tall-he’s active.
He blocks shots with authority and cleans the glass with purpose. He’s got quick feet for his size and sharp instincts, allowing him to anticipate plays and shut down drives before they even get started.
Mara plays defense with a chip on his shoulder, like every possession in the paint is a personal challenge.
Offensively, he brings more than just rim-running and putbacks. He’s a confident finisher, sure, but what really sets him apart is his passing.
Mara sees the floor like a guard. He makes smart reads, finds cutters, and keeps the offense flowing.
That kind of vision from a 7-footer is rare-and incredibly valuable in today’s NBA.
Of course, there’s going to be a learning curve. The NBA’s pace and physicality are a big jump from college and international ball.
Mara will need time to adjust, especially on the defensive end where quicker guards and more complex schemes will test his mobility and decision-making. But once he finds his rhythm, the upside is hard to ignore.
Picture this: Mara and Raynaud sharing the floor in a twin-tower lineup. Two seven-footers who can defend, rebound, and pass.
That’s not just size-it’s strategy. It’s a way to disrupt the flow of opposing offenses while adding a new dimension to Sacramento’s own attack.
The Kings already have a strong foundation. Adding Mara to the mix could give them a future-proof frontcourt-one that’s built not just to survive the modern NBA, but to thrive in it.