Offseason workout videos have become a running joke in NBA circles due to the unrealistic expectations they create for certain players.
When they're ahead of the draft, though, for prospects with uncertainty surrounding where they'll be selected, they suddenly hold more weight. Organizations should obviously do their due diligence to find out if it's all a facade, but it's usually a stronger indicator of potential than the average recorded training session.
The latest pre-draft display of skill came from Michigan's Aday Mara, who the Atlanta Hawks are seriously considering selecting at eight. Fans can't help but notice everything he was able to do would fit perfectly in their movement-focused system.
7’4 Aday Mara NBA Draft workout 🔥 he has an elite skillset with a standing reach of 9’9”. Mara wasn’t missing in his workout from 3 and his jumper will be used more in the NBA 🎥 @JordanRichardSC pic.twitter.com/tstKFPgATv
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) June 19, 2026
Mara with a consistent jumper and handle would be a top-three prospect
The only reason he's expected to be a mid-to-late lottery pick is because of his presumed limitations on both ends. Despite holding the frame that's necessary to have in a size-driven modern NBA, many scouts are unsure of how he'll hold up long-term in an organization that prioritizes pace and volume shooting.
It's why many people are so unsure about his fit in Atlanta, but it's an incredibly intriguing possibility, because there's now plenty of hope that his three-ball is real. If it was only shown in the timely video, it would've been one thing, but he put up a solid display of outside shooting at the combine.
Pretty much anyone can develop a consistent outside shot in Quin Snyder's offense. The most recent successful developmental story was Onyeka Okongwu, who hardly ever attempted a three in college, but is now one of Atlanta's most reliable outside shooters. The Hawks are a proven factory for bigs who want to expand their games.
His handle in this recent video was quietly impressive, as well. The Hawks won't need him to take the ball down the floor, or anything, but having that in his back pocket could give them a sneaky advantage for years to come.
Atlanta has a tough decision to make in just a few days
Now just a few days away from the highly-anticipated NBA Draft, the Hawks are in an objectively-solid position, but their night isn't going to come without sacrifices. Landing on the highly-talented Mara would mean they wouldn't get a shot at one of the top guards in the class.
There will still likely be some quality guards to choose from with their second first-round pick, but none are as much of a sure thing as those near the top.
It would likely be a worthy sacrifice, though, as the idea of Mara in a Hawks uniform gets more intriguing and realistic with every passing day.
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