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Bennett Stirtz is reminding doubters that the NBA is a skill-driven league

The OKC Thunder looked past all of Bennett Stirtz's perceived flaws and are now reaping the rewards of his skills.

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
Bennett Stirtz is reminding doubters that the NBA is a skill-driven league
Key Things to Know
  • Mark Nilon argues Bennett Stirtz is proving doubters wrong with his skill-driven success on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • The Thunder traded up to draft Stirtz 16th overall after athletic and age concerns lowered his draft stock.
  • Stirtz leads the Thunder in preseason scoring with 20.3 points per game while shooting 59.1 percent from deep.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Mark Nilon of Thunderous Intentions argues that Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz is proving critics wrong by showing that the NBA is fundamentally a skill-driven league. Selected 16th overall after the Thunder traded up in the draft, Stirtz fell down draft boards partly due to concerns regarding his age and perceived athletic limitations.

Despite transitioning to an off-ball role alongside stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, Stirtz has excelled during preseason play. Through three preseason games, the former Iowa Hawkeye has led the Thunder with 20.3 points per game while shooting 59.1 percent from three-point range.

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