ESPN’s newest mock draft has the Charlotte Hornets taking Michigan center Aday Mara with the No. 14 overall pick. On paper, adding size to the frontcourt is a necessity. In reality, Mara may not be the solution and there are several reasons why.
Mara played a key role in Michigan’s national championship run, helping the Wolverines defeat UConn Huskies 69-63 by controlling the paint and anchoring their interior defense. His presence was undeniable during the tournament, and his shot‑blocking instincts were a major part of Michigan’s identity.
Physicality was a major talking point during Charlotte’s exit interviews, and it’s something the front office wants to address this offseason. Mara, while not known for brute strength, is known for being one of the most naturally gifted center prospects in this class.
The Hornets get size and length, but not a needle mover
Across 40 games, Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks in just 23.4 minutes per game. The standout number is the shot‑blocking: a 12.0 BLK%, elite by any standard. At 7’3”, his frame alone gives him a massive advantage around the rim, and his numbers indicate he’s already a better pure shot‑blocker than Ryan Kalkbrenner or Moussa Diabate.
Mara also flashes impressive passing vision for his size. He’s thrown legitimate quarterback‑style outlet passes that ignite transition offense — a skill that would immediately elevate Charlotte’s ball movement.
But despite the intrigue, the red flags are significant enough that using a lottery pick on him feels risky.
Aday Mara has development hurdles before he can fully impact an NBA rotation
The biggest concern is lateral quickness. Charlotte already struggles with mobility at the five, and Mara presents the same issue. He’s heavily reliant on drop coverage and could be exposed in NBA pick‑and‑roll actions he rarely faced in college.
His 56.4% free‑throw shooting is another problem and it hasn’t improved over time. The Hornets were one of the league’s best free‑throw shooting teams at 82%, tied for second in the league. Mara’s weakness at the line makes him a potential fourth‑quarter liability and opens the door to “Hack‑a‑Shaq” situations.
Combine that with the fact that he doesn’t have an outside shot, and Charlotte would essentially be adding another slower offensively limited big to a rotation already lacking versatility.
It’s also worth noting that Mara averaged only 23.4 minutes per game at Michigan. The NBA schedule is longer, more physical, and far more demanding. Expecting him to play closer to 30 minutes consistently may be unrealistic.
Aday Mara shouldn’t be the Hornets’ pick at No. 14
Jeff Peterson may be tempted by Mara’s rare size, as you can’t teach 7’3”, and the league has seen massive centers thrive. Mara’s passing and rim protection are undeniably intriguing, but they don’t fully address Charlotte’s needs.
The Hornets need a modern big: someone faster, more switchable, and capable of stretching the floor. This is why a trade for Bam Adebayo would be ideal. He’s a center who can defend at the highest level, has playmaking chops, and opens the floor offensively.
Mara could absolutely develop into a useful NBA player over time. But Charlotte’s competitive timeline is moving, and their lone projected lottery pick should be spent on a more immediate-impact prospect. If the Hornets want to fix their frontcourt, Mara probably doesn’t get it done at No. 14.
Add us as a preferred source on Google