Former Iowa superstar Bennett Stirtz spent just a few minutes as a Memphis Grizzlies player before being immediately shipped to Oklahoma City in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Stirtz has an amazing story that began as a zero-star recruit with only a few college offers. Ben McCollum knew something a lot of coaches and scouts missed out on, and he offered Stirtz early on in his recruitment. Stirtz had higher aspirations and told McCollum that if a bigger program didn't offer, he'd go to Northwest Missouri State. No one called, and the rest is history.
From Division II to a top-20 NBA draft pick, Stirtz is truly living the dream.
Fans LOVE OKC adding Stirtz to an alreadty loaded roster
With his whole family and former head coach Ben McCollum alongside, Stirtz became the third Iowa player to be drafted in the first round in the last five years, joining Keegan Murray in 2022 (No. 4 overall) and his twin brother Kris Murray in 2023. Stirtz has the potential to make an immediate impact on an already loaded Thunder roster, and fans are loving it.
Perfect fit for Bennett, couldn’t be happier for him! Go Hawks!!! 🐤
— EMT-Hawk (@EMT_Hawk33) June 24, 2026
Stirtz gets the chance to join a legit NBA Championship contender, and he gets to learn from one of the best guards in the league, and back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A WAY better situation than what is currently going on in Memphis.
OKC getting a hard nosed, good character, high motor guy
— SilentGrief (@AyushSingh55077) June 24, 2026
Even if you aren't a Hawkeye fan, everyone knows how hard Stirtz works, and he never comes off the floor. He played 38 minutes per game for Iowa last season, and if he hadn't gotten into foul trouble in some games, he definitely would've been in there for all 40.
Sam Presti does it again. Bennett Stirtz is a perfect fit for OKC's half-court offense and ball-movement style. Masterclass.
— Hamza Khan (@Hamzakhan17_) June 24, 2026
Stirtz brings a diverse offensive game to the table and can lead any offense with his high basketball IQ, shooting, and passing ability. OKC definitely got a good one.
I love Bennett Stirtz. Just the kind of guy you can trust with the ball in his hands. Minimum really good backup PG for a long time with a much higher ceiling than that. Dude is a stud. Huge fan of his game.
— Unbiased Ev (@DoubleVodkaDon) June 24, 2026
Stirtz isn't one of the younger guys in this draft, but he is a reliable, savvy veteran who can run an offense. He is truly a stud, and we hope he has a long and prosperous NBA career.
Love @bennett_stirtz immediately getting traded to OKC. Thunder are getting a bucket getter, floor general, and an absolute DAWG. #GoHawks
— Ty Schmit (@tyschmit) June 24, 2026
Stirtz is a three-level scorer who can shoot long-range shots effectively and is very adept at getting to the rim and finishing through contact. He is also used to having the ball in his hands and can get his own shot whenever and wherever he wants.
It will be interesting to see how Stirtz fits in with OKC's loaded backcourt next season, especially with Jared McCain's coming-out party during the 2026 playoffs. The Thunder don't waste draft picks, and if they moved up to get him, there is no doubt they have high hopes he'll contribute immediately.
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