Thunder Rookie Bennett Stirtz Could Create An Uncomfortable Rotation Problem

The Oklahoma City Thunder have assembled arguably the deepest guard room in the NBA, but that depth could force the organization into an uncomfortable decision involving Nikola Topić and Bennett Stirtz.

Stirtz should not receive immediate minutes simply because Oklahoma City acquired him with the 16th overall pick. The Thunder are attempting to reclaim the NBA championship, meaning head coach Mark Daigneault cannot sacrifice dependable production to accelerate one rookie’s development.

However, Stirtz possesses a skill set that could quickly change the equation.

During his final season at Iowa, Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals. He also made 92 three-pointers while shooting 35.8% from behind the arc, demonstrating his ability to provide spacing, make decisions and compete defensively.

If those abilities translate, Oklahoma City will eventually need to find him opportunities. That could place Topić in the most vulnerable position.

Topić entered the NBA as the 12th overall selection in 2024, but injuries and his courageous battle with testicular cancer delayed his development. His return to professional basketball was an incredible accomplishment, but the Thunder still have not received enough NBA evidence to determine exactly where he belongs within their long-term rotation.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma City’s crowded backcourt will not provide unlimited time to find out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander owns the point guard position. Ajay Mitchell has already proven he can provide scoring and playmaking beside or behind him. Cason Wallace should receive an expanded role, while Jared McCain provides offense at shooting guard. Alex Caruso remains another trusted championship veteran who will absorb important minutes.

That leaves Stirtz and Topić competing for a role that might not consistently exist.

Stirtz’s advantage could be simplicity. He does not need the offense placed in his hands to demonstrate value. If he reliably makes open threes, defends at an NBA level and avoids mistakes, Daigneault can use him without redesigning the rotation.

Topić possesses intriguing size and playmaking potential, but Oklahoma City may need him to control the ball to discover the best version of his game. Those opportunities become difficult to provide when Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell and several other guards have already earned trust.

The Thunder should not rush either player. Stirtz must prove that his college production translates, while Topić deserves a legitimate chance after everything that delayed his career.

Still, roster competition rarely waits for perfect circumstances. If Stirtz immediately performs the job Oklahoma City drafted him to do, Topić could become expendable before the Thunder ever completely understand his potential.

That would feel unfair, but championship roster decisions usually are.