Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie Bennett Stirtz Exceeds Expectations

Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie Bennett Stirtz Exceeds Expectations After Falling in NBA Draft

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz is averaging 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists through three preseason games while shooting 59.1 percent from beyond the arc. Despite those pre-draft evaluations, Sam Presti and the Thunder front office traded up to secure the former Iowa standout, who is now proving that his skill set translates directly to the professional level.

College Production and Draft Day Slip to Sixteenth Overall

During his one-and-done season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Stirtz posted 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, earning First-team All-Big Ten honors. Scouts doubted his lateral quickness, vertical leap, and overall physical build, causing him to slide to the middle of the first round. The Thunder recognized value where other franchises saw athletic limitations, executing a trade to bring the guard to Oklahoma City.

Preseason Performance and Off-Ball Transition in Oklahoma City

Stirtz first showcased his shooting touch during July’s Summer League tournament, debuting with 10 points, four assists, and three steals while making 66.7 percent of his three-point attempts. He has elevated those numbers further in the preseason while adapting to a new role. While he operated primarily as an on-ball initiator in college, Stirtz now functions off the ball alongside established stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, producing at an elite efficiency rate without relying on raw athletic traits.

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