Thunder Rookie Bennett Stirtz Sends Exciting Message To Fans: ‘It's Go Time’
· Yahoo Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder are always going to be a major storyline on NBA Draft night, with GM Sam Presti continuing to stockpile talent and reshape the roster at a rapid pace.
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Many expected the Thunder to repeat their success in the 2025–26 season, but that unfortunately wasn’t the case.
It became clear after watching Chet Holmgren match up against Victor Wembanyama that OKC may need more size in the paint to handle the 7-foot-5 French phenom.
Presti responded by selecting Aday Mara 12th overall, then followed it up by pulling off a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire the draft rights to Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, who went 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
No one truly knows how this roster will ultimately shake out, but Presti is already making difficult decisions. He previously moved Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks in a separate deal.
Now, the Thunder add a strong two-way, three-and-D type presence in Stirtz. After being selected by OKC, Stirtz made it clear via Clemente Almanza, OKC Thunder Wire, he’s fully embracing the moment and ready for what comes next before adding his own message to set the tone moving forward.
"It's a crazy whirlwind just with the trades and everything, but super excited to get going. The work starts now. It was a long process, pre-draft and everything. But now it's go time," Stirtz said. "I think the fit couldn't be better. Organization, just the people around it, nothing but good people. Community is great. Love the city of Oklahoma City. Just excited to create relationships with everyone and get going."
I personally feel like this was an exceptional pickup for OKC. Right after landing a strong value selection in Mara falling into their lap, you simply can’t coach 7-foot-3 size, and you also can’t teach the type of defensive versatility and shooting ability that Stirtz possesses.
More importantly, it is the kind of confidence Stirtz plays with. You either have it or you don’t, and in this case, he clearly does.
That is ultimately why Presti made the move. He is the perfect type of player not only to fit on the court, but also within the broader roster construction.
He will not be forced into heavy minutes early, but he will be eased into situations during some blowouts in the 2026-27 season.
Do not be surprised to see Stirtz gradually earning more minutes as his rookie season progresses.