OKC Thunder Trades Up for Iowa Guard Bennett Stirtz
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded up to select Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Stirtz brings elite playmaking and relentless energy to an Oklahoma City roster that needed offensive depth. The Thunder gave up two second-round picks to move up one spot and secure the former Hawkeye star.
How did the Thunder acquire Bennett Stirtz?
The 2026 NBA Draft saw the Thunder make a strategic move to secure their guy. Oklahoma City originally held the No. 17 pick but executed a draft day trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder moved up to No. 16 and sent a pair of second-round picks to Memphis. The Grizzlies eventually traded down to No. 21, which showed exactly why Oklahoma City jumped up to prevent other teams from leapfrogging them for the Iowa product.
Earlier in the draft, the Thunder selected Michigan big man Aday Mara at No. 12. Oklahoma City clearly prioritized adding high-impact talent to complement their core.
What makes Bennett Stirtz an elite offensive weapon?
Stirtz is a 6-foot-2 guard with a 6-foot-6 wingspan, weighing 186 pounds with an 8-foot-2 standing reach. His most defining trait is his incredible stamina and work ethic, qualities Iowa fans appreciate deeply. Stirtz averaged 37.7 minutes per game at Iowa last season, leading the country. The year prior, he played an astonishing 39.4 minutes per game at Drake, which also led the nation. He started his collegiate journey in Division II, dropping 20 points in 40 minutes against Central Oklahoma.
Stirtz is the ultimate Energizer Bunny, serving as the offensive engine for his teams. Last season at Iowa, he averaged 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 stocks per game across 37 contests. He ranked in the 91st percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, posting 1.048 points per possession. He is a true three-level scorer, shooting 70% at the rim, 58% from the mid-range, and 35% from 3-point range. When he had catch-and-shoot opportunities, he converted at a 48% clip, including a staggering 51% on guarded jumpers.
What are the defensive concerns for Bennett Stirtz?
The only thing keeping this pick from an A+ grade is his defense. Stirtz put some rough defensive tape on film during his college career. However, Oklahoma City is the perfect place for him to develop. He will play alongside high-end defenders who can navigate screens and keep him away from the ball. The Thunder also feature a massive backline with Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Aday Mara waiting at the rim if Stirtz gets beat.
Stirtz is an opportunistic defender who plays the passing lanes well and generates turnovers. He also never lacks effort, which gives the Thunder's elite defensive coaching staff something to work with. There is also a simple explanation for his defensive struggles in college: exhaustion. He will no longer be asked to play the entire game and carry the offense. This reduced workload should naturally allow his defense to improve.
How does Bennett Stirtz fit the Thunder roster?
Oklahoma City needed more offensive creation, and Stirtz checks that box perfectly. He gives the Thunder a reliable ball handler who can lead the second unit. This allows the Thunder to rest Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, and Jalen Williams for longer stretches without losing offensive firepower.
Stirtz also offers optionality when sharing the floor with the starters. He can set the table for Gilgeous-Alexander or Williams, letting them get to their spots. If the ball swings to him, he can catch and shoot, attack a closeout, or probe the defense to find a breakdown. He was ranked No. 15 on big boards before going at No. 16, making this excellent value for Oklahoma City.
What pick was Bennett Stirtz in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Bennett Stirtz was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded up from the No. 17 pick, sending two second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies, to select him.
How many minutes did Bennett Stirtz average at Iowa?
Bennett Stirtz averaged 37.7 minutes per game during his single season at Iowa, which led the entire country. The year prior at Drake, he averaged 39.4 minutes per game, which also led the nation.