Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Bennett Stirtz was one of the team's standout players during the preseason. The rookie playmaker and sharpshooter turned heads with those exact skills, causing many to believe that he could be in store for an All-Rookie level season.
Unfortunately, Stirtz played just one minute during the regular season opener. Fans shouldn't worry at all about what that might mean.
Stirtz showing out during the preseason was a promising sign that an already deep backcourt was about to get even stronger. It was a welcome development considering Oklahoma City traded Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins during the 2026 offseason.
Stirtz wasn't drafted to make an instant impact, however, but instead to become a high-level contributor over time—even if that means his rookie-year role will be limited.
Yes, it's a bit of a 180 from what Stirtz was doing during the preseason. And yes, watching him post a pair of 20-point games and electrify crowds with his shooting and passing created understandable hype. The Thunder simply aren't the average team in regard to depth or development.
Stirtz will hopefully have chances to play more minutes on average moving forward, but his future is by no means lost if Oklahoma City chooses a slow and steady approach.
Bennett Stirtz only played one minute in Thunder's season opener
Oklahoma City has a superstar point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an All-NBA two-way wing in Jalen Williams, and a rising star in Cason Wallace. That starting perimeter trio will consume considerable minutes on its own.
Even more minutes will be handed to guards Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, and Ajay Mitchell, who each have the potential to be Sixth Man of the Year candidates in 2026-27.
With no fewer than five guards or six perimeter players receiving significant minutes and touches, playing time was always going to be tough to come by for Stirtz. That isn't a reflection of his talent or upside, but the simple manner in which the Thunder are constructed and intend to play.
Even with all of this established, however, there's still a realistic path to a decent role for Stirtz in 2026-27. It's all about picking his spots.
There will inevitably be times when a key player is out of the rotation and Stirtz will be called upon to step up. If he proves willing and able to do what the team needs from him, his development behind the scenes will be easier to see.
It may not be the most exciting turn following such an electric preseason, but the Thunder taking their time with Stirtz's development is by no means a troubling sign at this stage of his development.
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