Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Emerges as Top Target for Charlotte Hornets
Former Iowa Hawkeyes point guard Bennett Stirtz is generating significant buzz ahead of tonight's 2026 NBA Draft, with multiple prognosticators linking him to the Charlotte Hornets. Stirtz brings a polished offensive game, elite efficiency, and a winning pedigree that could make him a reliable backcourt addition for an NBA team looking for a high-floor playmaker.
How did Bennett Stirtz become an NBA prospect?
Bennett Stirtz is one of the most mature and prepared guards in this year's draft class. Instead of jumping to the professional ranks right out of high school, Stirtz took the time to develop his game at the college level. He started his career at Northwest Missouri State under head coach Ben McCollum. When McCollum moved to Drake, Stirtz followed him to Des Moines. The duo eventually made their way to Iowa City, where they led the Hawkeyes to the brink of the Final Four just a few months ago.
That long, successful college career turned Stirtz into a highly refined player. He is 22 years old and boasts a robust three-level scoring profile. According to draft analytics, Stirtz shot an impressive 70.5% at the rim on solid volume, 46.9% from mid-range, and 35.8% from three-point range on elite volume, attempting 11.8 shots per 100 possessions.
Stirtz was the engine of Iowa's offense, posting a 26.1% usage rate, which ranked in the 61st percentile among guards. Those numbers prove he can carry a heavy workload without sacrificing efficiency.
What makes Stirtz attractive to NBA teams like the Hornets?
Scoring is only part of the equation for Bennett Stirtz. He uses his deep range and lightning-quick release to create open looks for his teammates. Stirtz is a creative passer who deserves mention alongside Christian Anderson as the best pick-and-roll operator in the 2026 NBA draft class.
He has every pass in his bag and would thrive in Charlotte's up-tempo, ball-screen-heavy offense. Stirtz also brings value off the ball. He was comfortable moving the ball and playing away from it in Ben McCollum's demanding offensive system at Iowa.
Perhaps most importantly, Stirtz protects the basketball. Even though he had the ball in his hands on nearly every trip down the floor for the Hawkeyes, he averaged just 1.6 turnovers per game. That kind of ball security is incredibly valuable for a team trying to stabilize its backcourt.
What are the concerns about Stirtz at the next level?
No prospect is perfect, and Stirtz does have clear limitations. He will need to put on weight to maintain his college efficiency against NBA athletes. He is slightly built and not exceptionally explosive, which raises questions about how he will finish at the rim against bigger, faster defenders.
Defensively, Stirtz does not offer much as a point-of-attack stopper. He understands his limitations as an athlete and plays solid positional defense, but he will struggle with bigger, more physical guards. His lack of size and athleticism makes him a tough fit in Charlotte's current backcourt configuration. He is also not an impactful rebounder at the guard position.
Why the Charlotte Hornets make sense for Stirtz
Despite the physical concerns, Stirtz checks several boxes for Hornets executive Jeff Peterson and his front office. In past drafts, Peterson has targeted players like Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, KJ Simpson, and Liam McNeeley. Those players share a common thread: winning pedigree, workout dominance, college productivity, and a connective skill set. Stirtz possesses all of those traits in spades.
Charlotte needs to address its backcourt this offseason, especially with Coby White's situation in flux. Stirtz represents a high-floor guard option who could smooth out the Hornets' offense when LaMelo Ball is off the floor. Even if White returns, NBA teams can never have enough trustworthy ball handlers.
Selecting Stirtz at number 18 overall might not be a home run. He does not fix Charlotte's lack of physicality, and he is not going to lock down opposing guards. However, he is a safe, malleable, and high-feel option who brings real skill to a backcourt that desperately needs stability.
Will Bennett Stirtz be a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Multiple mock drafts project Bennett Stirtz as a late first-round or early second-round pick. His strong workout performances and proven college production have solidified his standing as a first-round candidate, with the Charlotte Hornets being the most frequently mentioned landing spot.
What are Bennett Stirtz's biggest strengths as a player?
Stirtz excels at three-level scoring, pick-and-roll passing, and ball security. He shot 35.8% from three on high volume and averaged only 1.6 turnovers per game at Iowa, making him one of the most efficient and reliable guards in the draft class.
Why do the Charlotte Hornets need a point guard?
The Hornets need a point guard because Coby White's future with the team is uncertain, and the team struggles to run its offense efficiently when LaMelo Ball is on the bench. A reliable playmaker like Stirtz would provide much-needed depth and stability.