League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Bennett Stirtz expected to contribute to OKC Thunder lineup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 5:01 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Bennett Stirtz expected to contribute to OKC Thunder lineup

Summary

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz is anticipated to make an immediate impact in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Selected as the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Stirtz is expected to complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by providing outside shooting capabilities. With the team having moved on from key role players Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, Stirtz's skills as a ball-handler and scorer are seen as vital for the Thunder's second unit. His readiness to contribute right away positions him as a promising addition to the Thunder's roster, which had a 64-18 regular-season record last season but fell short in the Western Conference Finals.

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By the Numbers

•Bennett Stirtz was the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
•Thunder finished last season with a 64-18 record, but exited in the Western Conference Finals.
•Stirtz is expected to enhance outside shooting around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
•He could take on a significant role while supporting OKC's second unit.
•The Thunder parted ways with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins this summer.

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