The 2026 NBA Draft is in the books, and if there was one clear message sent across the league, it was this: the rich are getting richer. While several rebuilding teams looked to add future stars, championship contenders such as the Oklahoma City Thunder used the draft to strengthen an already loaded roster.
The draft also highlighted a growing trend around the NBA, with experienced college players once again dominating the first round, a sign that teams are placing a premium on maturity and players who can contribute immediately. Among the biggest winners of the draft were the San Antonio Spurs, who continued to build around superstarcenterVictorWembanyama and the Oklahoma CityThunder,whoonceagain appeared to find value with every selection they made.
Analysts across the league said they believe both franchises are positioning themselves to dominate the Western Conference for years to come. The Dallas Mavericks also drew praise for adding talent around young phenom Cooper Flagg, while several teams in the Eastern Conference focused on finding long-term developmental prospects rather than immediate contributors.
For Oklahoma City, General Manager Sam Presti continued his tradition of identifying versatile, high-IQ players who fit the Thunder’s culture and defensive identity. The Thunder selected 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara out of Michigan with the 12th overall pick and later selected guard Bennett Stirtz from Iowa with the 16th overall selection.OklahomaCityalso added former Kentucky star Otega Oweh in the second round.
Mara may prove to be one of the most intriguing picks of the draft. The Spanish-born center possesses elite size, exceptional passing ability and impressive rim protection skills.
With the Thunder falling short in the Western Conference FinalsagainsttheSpurs and struggling at times to deal with bigger frontcourts, Mara gives Oklahoma City additional size and depth behind Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. His ability to protect the basket and facilitate offense from the high post could make him an important contributor sooner rather than later.
Stirtz, meanwhile, is considered one of the most NBA-ready guards in this year’s class. The former Iowa standout is known for his scoring ability, court vision and leadership. He provides insurance in the backcourt and gives head coach Mark Daigneault another intelligent playmaker who can thrive in Oklahoma City’s ball movement system.
The addition of Oweh may end up being one of the steals of the second round. Oweh, a fan favorite at Kentucky, is an explosive athlete who attacks the rim and brings toughness on both ends of thefloor.Manydraftanalysts believed he could have been selected much earlier, making him another intriguing developmental piece for the defending champions.
Two players with Oklahoma ties heard their names called during the draft. Oweh spent his collegiate career first at the University of Oklahoma before transferring to the University of Kentucky, where he blossomed into one of the nation’s most dynamic two-way guards. Known for his explosive first step and defensive intensity, Oweh averaged double figures in scoring and became one of the most respected players in the Southeastern Conference.
As the dust settles on another NBA Draft, one thing appears certain: the OklahomaCityThundermay have once again found ways to improve a championshipcaliber roster without sacrificing their future. With Mara adding size, Stirtz bringing another playmaker to the backcourt and Oweh providing athletic depth on thewing,theThunder’squest to remain among the NBA’s elite appears very much alive heading into the 2026-27 season.