Bennett Stirtz emerges as primary depth candidate for Oklahoma City Thunder rotation

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026-27 season as co-favorites to win the title alongside the San Antonio Spurs. With the offseason complete, focus shifts to the team’s developing young quartet of Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Aday Mara, and Bennett Stirtz. While Topic faces a critical year as he enters the third season of his rookie contract, while Sorber and Mara continue working toward rotation roles in the frontcourt. Stirtz is identified as the most likely of the four to earn significant playing time early in the season. Following the departures of Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, Stirtz figures to command a larger role as a secondary ball-handler and perimeter scorer. All four players are expected to be available for training camp as the team prepares to maintain its position in the Western Conference standings.

• 2:05 AMYahoo Sports — OKC Thunder Mailbag: Which young player could help out in 2026-27 season?