Thunder forcing Bennett Stirtz to play out of his comfort zone (and it’s paying off)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is utilizing rookie Bennett Stirtz as an off-ball threat rather than his traditional on-ball collegiate role. Stirtz, selected 16th overall after the Thunder traded up in the draft, showed positive results in his preseason debut by scoring 11 of his 15 points off the catch, including three catch-and-shoot three-pointers.

The writer argues that Stirtz's off-ball shooting makes him an ideal complement to star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City's drive-and-kick offensive scheme. Stirtz previously made approximately 52 percent of catch-and-shoot attempts with the Iowa Hawkeyes, addressing a roster need after the Thunder traded shooter Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons.