Bennett Stirtz didn’t need a huge shot volume to make an impression in his NBA Summer League debut. In Oklahoma City’s 111-74 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Salt Lake City Summer League opener, the Thunder’s first-round point guard put together a tidy all-around line: 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals.
He took just six shots in 24 minutes, but made half of them and showed he can work in more than one lane offensively. Stirtz handled the ball as a creator and also spent time away from it, where he buried two 3-pointers on three attempts, both from deep.
The offensive flashes were part of the story, but so were the defensive ones. Stirtz used quick hands to poke away possessions and jump-start Oklahoma City’s transition game the other way. That competitiveness is already standing out, and Thunder Summer League head coach Daniel Dixon said it’s part of what makes him fit.
"He's another guy who's just a competitor. You continue to see that time and time again, dating back to college," Thunder Summer League Head Coach Daniel Dixon said after the game.
"When he first stepped in the gym, it's like, 'This guy competes.' And he does it together as well, so he fits right in with all of the other guys in terms of his approach."
Stirtz’s path has been a climb, going from Division 2 to the Big 10 before becoming a first-round NBA draft pick. That background has helped shape the mentality he brought into his first Summer League game, and it showed in the way he competed on both ends.
There’s still more to unpack in the rest of the summer, though. Stirtz moved between on-ball and off-ball duties throughout the game, and he looked more comfortable when the offense was in his hands. He’s expected to spend plenty of time off the ball once the season begins, but getting more reps as a primary creator against NBA competition could help both him and the Thunder.
"He did a good job running the offense today," Dixon said.
Oklahoma City is back in Salt Lake City against the Atlanta Hawks on July 6 at 6 p.m., and Stirtz will get another tough assignment in Kingston Flemings, a highly touted first-round guard in the loaded 2026 class. After seeing a strong defensive guard in Javon Small against Memphis, he’s set for another real test of NBA physicality.
Stirtz said during media availability after his introductory press conference that he was "excited to be more physical," and he’ll need to keep building on both sides of the floor as the summer continues.
For one debut, though, the early signs were encouraging. His offense still has room to grow, but the foundation was there.
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Thunder Face Another Huge Cason Wallace Decision This Offseason
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Wallace has given the Thunder plenty to think about after a career-best season that included All-Defensive Second Team recognition, and he is now heading into the final year of his rookie deal with bigger responsibilities in mind. He wants a full-time starting role, but the path to that kind of jump is not simple, and the next few decisions around the backcourt could say a lot about how Oklahoma City sees his place in the long term. [Read more 🡒]