Sam Presti traded up to secure this high-IQ playmaker, betting on elite offensive processing and lethal range to overcome defensive questions in a loaded Oklahoma City rotation.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have arguably the deepest and most talented roster in the NBA.
But one of the less talked about aspects of Oklahoma City's roster is the underrated foursome of young lottery level talent that has yet to be unlocked. In this four part Roundtable series, we will take a closer look at each of those four Thunder prospects. Last up, Bennett Stirtz.
Bennett Stirtz.
22 years old.
Point Guard/Shooting Guard.
6'3". 186 pounds. 6'6" wingspan.
Draft Pedigree: While it was rare to see a team coming off a 64 win season and only one year removed from an NBA championship picking at #12 overall, it was even more uncommon to see the Thunder picking once again at #17 overall. The OKC front office must have caught wind of some other teams sniffing around Stirtz because Sam Presti traded up one spot to secure their target at #16 overall. It's gotta make a young prospect feel good to know that the best general manager in all of sports thinks so much of you that he'll trade a 2nd round pick to move up one notch to nab you.
Biggest Strength: Stirtz has such a wide variety of offensive skillsets that would be easy to list in this space. He is a top tier shooter with unlimited range, a great playmaker, a high level shot creator and apparently had the most stamina and endurance in the NCAA last season. But the Stirtz standout trait is one that cannot be measured by statistics. It's his elite level processing, basketball IQ and high feel for the game
Biggest Question Mark: The former Iowa Hawkeye should see his skills translate immediately in OKC's offense. Defense, however, may be another story. Stirtz is a bit undersized and lacks blue chip athleticism and explosiveness. There is concern whether he will be able to stick to NBA level guards on the defensive end. The hope is that his high IQ, effort and understanding of his role in an elite OKC defensive infrastructure may cover up any shortcomings on that side of the court.
Potential Role in 2026-2027: I've said it three times before, so I might as well make it four for four. Mark Daigneault is going to find minutes for every one of the players on the roster, including all the young guys. Another point in Stirtz's favor is that he turns 23 before the season starts. Trading up and spending premium draft capitol on an older, more NBA ready rookie may point towards playing him early. One potential storyline could be competition between Stirtz and Nikola Topic as another bench shot creator and playmaker. Or it's possible he will be used more off ball as a 3 point shooter and connective passer. Stirtz will have to earn his way into the rotation. But he proved throughout his college career from Northwest Missouri State in Division II to Drake to Iowa that he always puts in the work and exceeds expectations. Thunder fans are rooting for him to do so once again.
