Bennett Stirtz proved why OKC made him a priority after a dynamic Summer League

With the NBA Draft and Summer League in the rearview mirror, Hawkeye fans can't wait for the regular season to see Bennett Stirtz in action.

After the 2026 NBA Draft, three former Hawkeyes participated in the NBA Summer League, including Stirtz (Oklahoma City Thunder), Brendan Hausen (Memphis Grizzlies), and Josh Dix (Oklahoma City Thunder. While Hausen showcased his elite shooting potential for the Grizz over the summer, the spotlight was thoroughly fixed on Stirtz this summer. As a mid-first-round draft pick, Stirtz will have lofty expectations all season, but he definitely got started on the right foot.

Stirtz showed why OKC wanted him so badly in the NBA Draft

All Hawkeye fans know what Stirtz can do on both ends of the court, and the Thunder did not hesitate to move up and select Stirtz earlier to ensure he was in OKC next season. A draft-night trade sent Stirtz from Memphis to Oklahoma City, and the organization has been doing everything in its power to pave the way for Stirtz to make an early impact. As the No. 16 overall pick, nothing is guaranteed, especially playing time, but a combination of the organization clearing a path and his stellar Summer League play might force him into the rotation.

One of the major storylines from the summer was how well former Big Ten stars fared in their first taste of NBA action. There were some surprising headlines after the summer, but one thing that wasn't a surprise was that Stirtz's scoring ability was on full display. The former Hawkeye star dropped 17.7 points per game for the Thunder, picking up right where he left off for Iowa in March. He is pushing his way into the conversation for early playing time with his stellar play this summer, and OKC is giving him every advantage early on.

Thunder GM Sam Presti has been very outspoken in his praise for Stirtz since drafting him, and he is clearing a path for Stirtz to play a whole lot quicker. While the recent moves by the organization could be chalked up to being cost-effective and getting under the luxury tax apron, trading away two key guard pieces proves they trust their young options. The organization has already traded Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort, all of whom were key contributors on their Championship team two seasons ago.

Jared McCain's emergence in last year's playoffs and drafting Stirtz with their second pick of the first round signaled the Thunder were ready to part with some key players to get under the luxury tax, but moving three guards is exactly what the doctor ordered for Stirtz. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only lock for a starting spot, with Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and Nikola Topic fighting for the final starting spot and rotational minutes at either spot. SGA and either McCain or Wallace will occupy both starting roles, but the recent roster moves could thrust Stirtz into more early playing time as a rookie, especially after his dynamic Summer League.

Stirtz could also easily force his way into the rotation at either guard spot with his shooting, high basketball IQ, and defensive ability, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he pushed one of the other veterans on the roster for minutes. Any way you slice it, Stirtz is doing all the right things before his rookie season, and we can't wait to see what impact he has on the Thunder next season and beyond.

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