Massive Center that provides rim protection at a high level, and on the offensive end is an advanced passer. Still has some concerns as an offensive player. Can he shoot the ball from three? Can he improve as a free throw shooter? Can Mara bear the weight of high minute numbers over a complete NBA season + playoffs? DEFENSIVE_EVALUATION: A great shot blocker who has some short area quickness for 7'3, 260 pounds. Has one of the tallest recorded standing reach in NBA history. Has the chance to be an elite rim protector with his size, coordination, and effort shown to deter shots, running out to shooters chasing down if beaten to the rim. A general deterrent around the rim, the type of player that after some time you just stop trying them. - 90th %tile BLK% (12.0%) - 99th %tile DBPM (7.6) - 99th %tile DBPM+ (+5.3) *UCLA as a Sophomore* - 98th %tile BLK% (16.9) If placed in pick and rolls, and ended up switched on to a guard he did a decent job keeping the guard out of the paint and forcing a jumper. Does this by giving a bit of cushion and using his absurd wingspan/standing reach to attempt to contest from a far. This is something that may be exploited by some of the best shooters and some of the quicker guards in the NBA. But I mean you can't have everything right? Believe that he can be an anchor of a defense that is built around him more so than a plug-in type of piece that is more versatile. Biggest question is how impactful can he be as a defensive anchor to whoever drafts him regardless of who is next to him defensively. Last season he was in a perfect situation with Morez Johnson Jr and Yaxel flying around and making life hell. OFFENSIVE_EVALUATION: A good screener, can finish inside on lobs and has some craft and touch when posted up. Impressive passer in the halfcourt, less so in terms of outlet passes - especially long outlet passes. Can make some elite passes inside of the arc. Out of postup opportunities, in short roll situations, and off of o-rebs. That is a very valuable skill that in theory you would covet given that you don't see a ton of playmaking prowess from bigs let alone one that is Mara's size. Now, Mara as a shooter is not too pretty. He did turn up the volume this season in terms of proficiency - from 0 to 30%. Breath isn't held in that aspect though, as we've got two seasons of shooting FTs in the 50% range. This also means that Mara is also not much of a threat as a shooter in the mid range either. Not sure if that means much for his success all in all. With that being said this season he was at 67.3% 2P TS% - there could be something there that can keep him valuable on the offensive end outside of his rebounding, passing, and touch around the rim on postups and 2nd chances. I think if he can mash the o-rebs, and still be a proficient scorer in the paint, that will open up his passing prowess and that combined with the defense will return you your value if you're spending a lottery pick on Mara.