"Well, I had the opportunity to return to Spain and play for the national team, and I also had to be here to train. So, definitely, I had to settle in one way or another, and I'm very happy to be back. We've been working for a couple of weeks, and I'm learning how things are done here and the different systems. One example is the three-second rule, because it's something new to me, and they're helping me a lot to integrate into the team," Aday said about his adaptation process and his summer.
Aday, alongside Kenrick Williams, at Media Day. Photo: Brighton Snow/OKC Thunder
The Zaragoza native said he had been very impressed after these weeks working with the entire Thunder roster because "being alongside players such as a two-time MVP (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), or Chet (Holmgren) —the No. 3 pick in the 2022 Draft—, or teammates who have spent so many years in the NBA is very striking during these first few days. But as I play with them, I'll adapt to the place I'm in."
Regarding his adaptation and the impact of such a busy summer, Aday was very candid, saying, "I'm not fully aware of everything because it's been very easy thanks to the great group here with the Thunder. I'll be ready to help the team, although that's something that depends on Mark (Daigneault) —the team's coach—."
HIS NATIONAL TEAM DEBUT AND THE DRAFT
Aday's Michigan Wolverines were crowned NCAA champions, and two of his teammates (Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg) were also selected in the first round. Even their coach, Dusty May, was hired as the Dallas Mavericks' head coach. "At Michigan, everyone there had a great relationship, both the players and the staff, as well as the arena workers. I'm very happy that he was pleased that I was selected by the Thunder, although some people thought he was angry or something similar. But it's incredible that your teammates are making it to the NBA," Aday added.
During the summer FIBA window, the Zaragoza-born center made his official debut with the senior national team, becoming one of the few positive notes for the squad. "I think it's always good to play with experienced people because I come from playing in college, where everyone is close to my age. Being with the national team gives you another perspective and has helped me improve a little compared with when I arrived here," he said.
First media day in the books for the rooks ?? pic.twitter.com/CDfEExkJ5K — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) September 28, 2026
During the quick questions, he was asked about his role with the national team and his limited experience in the Summer League. "It's different. With the national team, I had a more important role than with the Thunder in the Summer League, simply because of the importance of what we were playing for. Both experiences were good, and I learned from them," he explained.
Among Aday's role models are, unsurprisingly, "the Gasol brothers" and the entire golden generation of the national team. "Obviously, the Gasols have been very important in my development as a player, but as I've always said, I've learned a little from every player I've shared a team with," he said.
