Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Set to Be Key Shooter for Thunder's Title Run
Former Iowa Hawkeye Bennett Stirtz is poised to become one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's top three-point threats next season, a remarkable development for a player who has yet to hit a single NBA three-pointer. The Thunder, fresh off back-to-back MVP seasons from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reloaded their roster after trading away several key shooters this offseason.
Thunder's Offseason Shake-Up Creates Opportunity
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost the best shooter in franchise history when Isaiah Joe was traded to the Detroit Pistons in June for two second-round picks. The team also dealt Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, removing three of the top eight three-point shooters in Thunder history from the roster. Dort ranks third and Joe ranks eighth in franchise history in three-pointers made, while Wiggins converted 378 shots from deep during his Thunder career.
This roster turnover opens the door for new faces to step up, and Stirtz is one of the most intriguing candidates. The 22-year-old guard was the focal point of Iowa's offense last season, a role that distorted his shooting percentages.
Bennett Stirtz: A Hidden Gem from Iowa
Stirtz shot 35.8% from three-point range last season at Iowa, but those numbers are misleading. He was the Hawkeyes' entire offense, facing double teams and defensive schemes designed to stop him. His free-throw shooting tells a different story: Stirtz hit 85% from the line last year, a strong indicator of his true shooting touch. Over his entire college career, he shot 37.2% from deep despite being the primary focus of every defense.
Now, with NBA spacing and a Thunder roster loaded with talent, Stirtz will get the kind of open looks he has never seen before. That makes him a potential breakout player for a team with championship aspirations.
Thunder's Shooting Depth Remains Strong
Despite the offseason departures, Oklahoma City still has a roster filled with capable shooters. The team's philosophy emphasizes versatile, two-way players, which means solid shooting across the board rather than a single elite sniper. Here is a look at the top five shooters heading into the 2026-2027 season:
Honorable mentions: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell.
5. Jalen Williams. Ignore last season's three-point numbers. OKC's second-best player was injured for most of the year and was recovering when he did play. Williams is a career 37.4% three-point shooter while hitting 81% from the line. Expect those percentages to rebound as he enters the season healthy.
4. Jaylin Williams. The big man from Arkansas has developed into a reliable deep threat, shooting 38.7% from three-point range for his career. That is a remarkable improvement from his college days.
3. Bennett Stirtz. Yes, ranking a player with zero NBA three-pointers as the third-best shooter on a title contender is bold. But Stirtz's free-throw percentage and college track record suggest he is ready to thrive in the NBA's spaced-out offense.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The league's back-to-back MVP shot 38.6% from deep last season, up from 37.5% the year before. Almost all of his three-pointers are self-created and off the dribble while facing the opposing defense's best efforts. His free-throw and midrange shooting numbers are elite, and his clutch percentages are ridiculous. He may not be Steph Curry, but his shooting reputation needs an update.
1. Jared McCain. The best shooter on the squad is one of its newest members. McCain seamlessly slid into Isaiah Joe's role as a bench sharpshooter during the 2026 Playoffs, taking Joe's minutes and then some. He has unlimited range, a quick trigger, and complete confidence. The best news for Thunder fans is that he is just getting started.
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa basketball fans, Stirtz's rise is a point of pride. The former Hawkeye is not just making an NBA roster; he is becoming a key contributor on a championship-caliber team. His development also highlights the quality of Iowa's basketball program, which continues to produce NBA-caliber talent.
Stirtz's success could also boost recruiting for the Hawkeyes, showing that players who develop in Iowa City can thrive at the highest level. For now, fans in the Hawkeye State have a new reason to tune into Thunder games this season.
FAQ: Bennett Stirtz and the Thunder's Shooting
Why is Bennett Stirtz ranked so high despite no NBA three-pointers?
Stirtz's free-throw percentage (85% last season) is a strong predictor of shooting ability. His college career average of 37.2% from deep came while he was the sole focus of opposing defenses, a burden he will no longer carry in the NBA.
How did the Thunder lose so many shooters?
Oklahoma City traded Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons for two second-round picks and also dealt Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins this offseason. Those three players rank among the top eight in franchise history in three-pointers made.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander an elite shooter now?
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 38.6% from three last season, up from 37.5% the year before. While he is not known as a pure shooter, his numbers and clutch performance suggest he deserves more respect from beyond the arc.
Photo: Yahoo Sports Canada