Thunder will get instant feedback on Bennett Stirtz gamble in first preseason game

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz is set to make his preseason debut on Tuesday night. With most regular rotation players ruled out, the writer notes that Stirtz, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain will serve as primary focal points for head coach Mark Daigneault against an early test.

Zane Gelphman highlights that after the departures of Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City traded up to draft Stirtz to help fill a second-unit void. The article argues that avoiding mistakes alongside Mitchell and McCain will be crucial for Stirtz to earn early trust.