The Oklahoma City Thunder made a decisive move on Thursday night, trading two future second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 16 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. With that pick, they selected Bennett Stirtz, a point guard from the University of Iowa whose journey from Division II basketball to the NBA stands as one of the most inspiring stories in this draft class.
Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 guard, began his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State, a Division II program. Under head coach Ben McCollum, he helped the Bearcats win a national championship and then followed McCollum to Drake and later to Iowa. At every stop, Stirtz produced at an elite level, showcasing a combination of scoring, playmaking, and basketball IQ that eventually made him a first-round target for the defending champions.
The Trade Details
The Thunder sent two future second-round picks—one in 2027 and one in 2029—to the Grizzlies to move up from No. 22 to No. 16. For Oklahoma City, which already has a deep roster and several young assets, the cost was minimal relative to the value they see in Stirtz. General manager Sam Presti has a history of making aggressive moves to acquire players who fit the team's culture of high character, versatility, and intelligence. Stirtz checks every box.
“We’re thrilled to add Bennett to our organization,” Presti said in a statement. “His journey tells you everything about his perseverance and work ethic. He’s a winner, a leader, and we believe his skill set will translate beautifully into our system.”
Bennett Stirtz’s Unique Journey
Few prospects in recent memory have traveled a path as unconventional as Stirtz’s. After graduating from high school in Missouri, he received no Division I scholarship offers. He enrolled at Northwest Missouri State, a Division II powerhouse, and quickly became a star. As a sophomore, he averaged over 20 points per game and led the Bearcats to the Division II national championship game. When McCollum accepted the head coaching job at Drake, Stirtz followed, moving up to the Missouri Valley Conference.
At Drake, Stirtz continued to dominate. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, earning first-team All-MVC honors. His ability to control games with his pace and decision-making caught the attention of bigger programs. When McCollum left for Iowa, Stirtz again transferred, this time to the Big Ten. In his lone season with the Hawkeyes, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and shot 47.7% from the field, leading Iowa to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1999. His 49% catch-and-shoot three-point shooting ranked among the best in the nation, and he was one of the most efficient pick-and-roll operators in college basketball.
Why Stirtz Fits the Thunder
The Thunder, coming off an NBA championship in 2025-26, already boast a deep guard rotation led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Isaiah Joe. But the front office is always looking for more playmakers who can thrive off the ball and elevate those around them. Stirtz’s high basketball IQ and versatile skill set make him an ideal fit for Oklahoma City’s motion-heavy offense that prizes movement, spacing, and decision-making.
Scouts have consistently praised Stirtz as one of the smartest players in the draft—not just in terms of basketball IQ, but also in processing speed and anticipation. He rarely makes mistakes, maintains a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (nearly 3:1 at Iowa), and has a knack for making the right play in high-pressure situations. His ability to play both on and off the ball will allow head coach Mark Daigneault to use him in various lineups, including alongside Gilgeous-Alexander or coming off the bench as a primary initiator.
“I can do whatever they need me to do,” Stirtz said after being selected. “It starts with creating relationships and knowing what the team needs out of me. Talking to Coach Daigneault, talking to Sam, and seeing what they want from me. I’m ready to contribute in any way possible.”
A First-Round Surprise for Stirtz
Stirtz admitted that he never expected to hear his name called in the first round. “I thought I would be at D-II my whole career,” he said. “But opportunities presented themselves and I went with it, seized the opportunity and never looked back. Every step of the way I needed that just to get me where I’m at today. So I’m super grateful for all those stops.”
He also revealed that he learned of his destination just minutes before the pick was announced. “My agent told me probably about a minute before Memphis picked. He said, ‘You’re going to OKC.’ So before anyone else knew, I kind of knew.” The Thunder’s move to trade up underscores how highly they value him, especially in a championship window where every pick matters.
Looking Ahead
Stirtz joins a Thunder team that has built a culture around player development and unselfish basketball. With a roster full of young talent and a proven system, he will have the opportunity to learn from veterans and contribute immediately. His ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes and run the offense in spot minutes will likely earn him a rotation spot early in his rookie season.
The Thunder’s decision to target Stirtz also reflects a broader organizational philosophy: prioritize high-character, high-IQ players who buy into team success over individual stats. In a draft class filled with raw athletes and inconsistent shooters, Stirtz offers polish and reliability. He may not have the highest ceiling in terms of pure athleticism, but his floor is exceptionally high.
As the defending champions prepare for the upcoming season, adding a player like Bennett Stirtz only deepens their bench and strengthens their identity. His story—from Division II unknown to first-round pick of the NBA champs—serves as a testament to perseverance, skill, and the power of betting on yourself.
Source: NewsOn6.com News