Thunder selecting Bennett Stirtz confirms exactly what every Iowa fan already believed

There's no better confirmation that a player can be good in the NBA than Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti believing in you.

Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz got that affirmation on Tuesday night, when, after the Memphis Grizzlies technically selected him with the 16th overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Thunder gave up a pair of second-round picks to assure they got Stirtz instead of waiting until the next slot. The Thunder had two first-round picks on the night after taking Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 12.

With a crowded roster, many assumed the Thunder would dump that second pick at No. 17 for something in the future or even package both picks for one higher spot, but apparently Presti saw something in Stirtz he couldn't resist and will figure out roster constraints later.

Sam Presti believing in Bennett Stirtz reveals he's NBA ready

That's quite the stamp of approval for Stirtz. Presti is known for having a keen eye for talent, as he regularly has overlooked draft picks emerge as big-time playmakers in Oklahoma City. Most recently, this past season, 2024 second-round pick Ajay Mitchell, who the New York Knicks selected but immediately traded to the Thunder, stepped up and averaged 13.6 points as a guard in just his second year out of UC Santa Barbara.

There was proof of Presti's knack for discovering gems and loading up a roster as the Thunder still maintained the best record in the NBA despite suffering injury after injury this past season. The Thunder also obviously won the NBA title in 2025, and talk of a dynasty was immediately sparked by the young talent already exceeding expectations.

Iowa head coach Ben McCollum gave Stirtz the chance for his first major jump when he transferred to Drake from Division II Northwest Missouri State before following McCollum to Iowa last year. McCollum was also proven right as Stirtz ultimately went from an MIAA standout to a lottery pick.

In his only season with the Hawkeyes, Stirtz was named an Associated Press All-American honorable mention and First-Team All-Big Ten after averaging 19.8 points and 4.4 assists in 37 starts. He gives the Thunder another great ball-handler and also has the potential to be another shooting threat from beyond the arc.

After witnessing just one season of what Stirtz can do, Iowa fans already knew he was NBA material, but now Presti should have just confirmed it to the NBA world.

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