The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the only teams that could afford to lose three rotation players during a summer of cost-cutting, and it was Before it seemed clear that rookie Bennett Stirtz was ready to take on a significant role.
The Iowa product had 61 points and made 13 threes in his first three preseason games, dishing out 13 assists for good measure. While most assume Cason Wallace would pick up the bulk of the minutes made available by the departures of Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, it appears Stirtz is worthy as well.
Perhaps more importantly, Stirtz’s offensive production could fill what might be the Thunder’s only real needs. OKC won the 2025 championship despite sometimes poor half-court creation and spacing, two areas in which Stirtz excelled during the exhibition season.
In a draft class that has seen many point guards come off the board in the top 10, OKC’s No. 16 pick so far outperforms them all.
Gn sports
