After one year in Iowa City leading the Hawkeyes to the Elite 8 berth, a draft-night trade sent Stirtz from Memphis to Oklahoma City, and the organization has been doing everything in its power to pave the way for Stirtz to make an early impact. As the No. 16 overall pick, nothing is guaranteed, especially playing time, but a combination of the organization clearing a path and his stellar Summer League play might force him into the rotation.
One of the major storylines from the summer was how well former Big Ten stars fared in their first taste of NBA action. There were some surprising headlines after the summer, but one thing that wasn’t a surprise was that Stirtz’s scoring ability was on full display. The former Hawkeye star dropped 17.7 points per game for the Thunder, picking up right where he left off for Iowa in March. He is pushing his way into the conversation for early playing time with his stellar play this summer, and OKC is giving him every advantage early on.
Jared McCain’s emergence in last year’s playoffs and drafting Stirtz with their second pick of the first round signaled the Thunder were ready to part with some key players to get under the luxury tax, but moving three guards is exactly what the doctor ordered for Stirtz. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only lock for a starting spot, with Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and Nikola Topic fighting for the final starting spot and rotational minutes at either spot. SGA and either McCain or Wallace will occupy both starting roles, but the recent roster moves could thrust Stirtz into more early playing time as a rookie, especially after his dynamic Summer League.
Stirtz could also easily force his way into the rotation at either guard spot with his shooting, high basketball IQ, and defensive ability, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he pushed one of the other veterans on the roster for minutes. Whatever happens during the upcoming NBA season, Stirtz is doing all the right things to make an impact.
