2026 NBA Draft: Will OKC Thunder Draft Iowa's Stirtz at No. 12?
The 2026 NBA draft is just days away, and the Oklahoma City Thunder hold three premium picks to bolster their roster. For Iowa basketball fans, the biggest storyline is whether former Hawkeyes standout Bennett Stirtz will hear his name called when OKC is on the clock at No. 12. The Thunder enter the draft as title contenders, holding the No. 12 pick via the LA Clippers, the No. 17 pick via the Philadelphia 76ers, and the No. 37 pick via the Dallas Mavericks. As the two-day event approaches, Stirtz represents a fascinating local option, but he is not the only polarizing prospect on the board.
Could the OKC Thunder draft Iowa star Bennett Stirtz at No. 12?
Bennett Stirtz took a uniquely grinding path to the NBA draft spotlight. He did not simply land at a blue-blood program out of high school. Instead, he played two years at the Division II level before transferring to Drake for a season and finally landing at Iowa. With the Hawkeyes, Stirtz proved he could score at the highest collegiate level. He averaged 19.8 points on 47.7% shooting, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He also shot an impressive 35.8% from three-point range on nearly seven attempts per game. If an NBA team needs a reliable outside shooter, Stirtz fills that role immediately.
What are the concerns surrounding Bennett Stirtz's NBA potential?
Despite his elite college production, Stirtz comes with significant question marks. At 22 years old, he is on the older side for a lottery pick. His 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame suggests he may have already reached his physical ceiling. NBA scouts worry about his defensive limitations at the professional level. He also profiles as a somewhat one-dimensional offensive player. While his shooting is undeniable, he does not offer a wide array of secondary tools that typically entice front offices to use a high lottery selection on a guard.
Who else could the OKC Thunder target at pick No. 12?
If the Thunder decide to pass on Stirtz, two other polarizing prospects could be available at No. 12. Both players offer entirely different skill sets and risk profiles for a franchise looking to win now.
Nate Ament, Tennessee Forward
Nate Ament is one of the most debated prospects in the entire 2026 class. The 6-foot-10, 207-pound forward averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists at Tennessee. However, his efficiency raises major red flags. He shot just 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range on nearly four attempts per game. Ament is universally labeled as a project player. For a Thunder team firmly in its championship window, banking on physical tools rather than proven production is a risky strategy. His inefficient scoring in the SEC and lack of an outside shot make his transition to the NBA questionable.
Karim Lopez, NBL Forward
Karim Lopez took the international route, spending two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL. The 19-year-old is a physical 6-foot-8, 222-pound forward. He averaged 11.9 points on an efficient 50.2% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, and two assists. He also shot 32.6% from three on three attempts per game. Evaluating international prospects requires a different perspective, as Lopez competed against grown men rather than college peers. He held his own physically, often bullying his way to the paint. His physical tools show he is ready for the upgraded physicality of the NBA. Still, his outside shooting needs fundamental work, and his overall game remains raw.
How do these prospects fit the Thunder's contending window?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are no longer in a rebuilding phase. They are a title contender. This reality makes the No. 12 pick crucial. Drafting a project like Ament requires patience that a contending team simply does not have. Selecting Stirtz provides immediate shooting, but his defensive limitations could be exposed in high-stakes playoff minutes. Lopez might offer the best middle ground. His professional experience and physical readiness suggest he could contribute to a winning team sooner rather than later, even if his jumper needs refinement.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 NBA Draft and the OKC Thunder
What picks do the OKC Thunder have in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Oklahoma City Thunder hold three premium picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. They own the No. 12 pick via the LA Clippers, the No. 17 pick via the Philadelphia 76ers, and the No. 37 pick via the Dallas Mavericks.
Why is Bennett Stirtz considered a polarizing NBA prospect?
Bennett Stirtz is a polarizing prospect because his elite college scoring and shooting contrast with his age and defensive limitations. He is 22 years old with a 6-foot-4 frame, leading scouts to believe he has a limited ceiling despite his proven offensive production at Iowa.
What does Nate Ament need to improve in the NBA?
Nate Ament needs to improve his shooting efficiency and develop a more reliable outside shot. He shot just 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from three at Tennessee, which are poor splits for a forward transitioning to the professional level.