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Thunder preseason hints they may have landed steal of draft (and it’s not Aday Mara)

The OKC Thunder seem to have landed exactly what they desperately needed in the middle of this year's NBA Draft.

By Mark Nilon · Thunderous Intentions

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 7:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Mark Nilon argues Thunder rookie guard Bennett Stirtz could be the biggest steal of the 2026 draft.
Stirtz averaged 14.6 points and led all rookies with 15 made three-pointers across five preseason games.
The Thunder dismissed reports that Spanish club Basket Zaragoza could block rookie Aday Mara from playing in the NBA.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Thunderous Intentions argues that Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Bennett Stirtz may be the steal of the 2026 NBA Draft after an impressive five-game preseason run. Selected No. 16 overall out of Iowa, Stirtz averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 48.4 percent from three-point range, leading all rookies with 15 made triples.

The writer notes Stirtz helps address depth needs following the departures of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins. Meanwhile, the Thunder dismissed reports regarding Spanish club Basket Zaragoza attempting to block fellow rookie Aday Mara's transition to the NBA, stating his NCAA career clears him to play.

Read the full article on Thunderous Intentions

Thunder preseason hints they may have landed steal of draft (and it’s not Aday Mara)

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