5 Second-round prospects the Houston Rockets should consider drafting

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Aday Mara, C, UCLA

We're looking at a lot of big men here. Still, don't group them. Mara is a vastly different player than either Holmes II or Bona.

Solid showing last night from UCLA Bruins freshman big man Aday Mara.

The 7'3" freshman has the tools to be an intriguing talent in the middle with serious offensive upside and shot blocking ability.

Finished with 14 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST & 4 BLK in 24 MIN on 6/9 Shooting. Big… pic.twitter.com/qmnrr9MR3h
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) November 16, 2023

This is not a switch big - Mara is 7'3". He should thrive as a deep drop rim protector, but questions about his ability to defend in space have recently been keeping him off big boards altogether.

That's fair. Mara can't defend in space. He can't shoot either. He'll be a project. It wouldn't be shocking if Mara didn't hear his name called at all in this draft.

At the same time, he's a pure upside swing. Mara is an exceptional passer for his position. At one point in this draft cycle, he was regarded as a lottery pick. The Rockets could make a bold move by taking him in the second round instead.

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