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Bennett Stirtz has SGA to thank for seamless transition to unorthodox play style

OKC Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz is clearly grateful to have a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on his side.

By Mark Nilon · Thunderous Intentions

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 7:48 PM

Key Things to Know

Bennett Stirtz credited Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for easing his transition into an off-ball role with the Thunder.
Stirtz scored 35 points in his first two preseason games, with 19 coming off catch-and-shoot looks.
The rookie previously converted roughly 52 percent of catch-and-shoot attempts during his 2025-26 season with Iowa.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz credited teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for easing his transition into an off-ball role during the preseason. Despite having a ball-dominant college career, Stirtz noted that playing alongside Gilgeous-Alexander makes adapting to an off-ball floater role significantly easier.

Stirtz has scored 35 total points across two preseason games, with 19 coming from catch-and-shoot situations. Mark Nilon reports that Stirtz previously demonstrated off-ball potential at Iowa, converting about 52 percent of catch-and-shoot looks during the 2025-26 season.

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Bennett Stirtz has SGA to thank for seamless transition to unorthodox play style

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