Bennett Stirtz is a polarizing figure in the 2026 NBA Draft. Is he as purely athletic and able to jump out of the gym as some of the other future first-round picks in the draft class? No.
Is he arguably the most seasoned point guard who can step in and be an immediate plug-and-play pick for a team ready to contend? You absolutely could argue, yes, there.
After leading theIowa Hawkeyesto an unforgettable Elite 8 run in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Stirtz appears to be destined for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, with it being just a matter of where. InCBS Sports' recent NBA mock draft, Stirtz is headed to the East Coast to join theCharlotte Hornets, a young and feisty team looking to contend soon.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Charlotte Hornets:Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Stirtz is a highly skilled true point guard with an elite feel for the game. He's not an overwhelming athlete or defender, but he's a big-time shooter, ultra-reliable and always in the right spots. Stirtz has an understanding of the game beyond his years. If Charlotte goes big at 14, they'll likely look for perimeter depth here with Coby White's upcoming free agency.- Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports
Charlotte finished the 2025-26 NBA Season 44-38 overall, which saw them earn a spot in the NBA's play-in games, where they took down the Miami Heat before falling to the Orlando Magic.
The young roster is led by Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel, a trio of young stars that could allow Bennett Stirtz to come in and be a facilitator as well as play with not nearly as much pressure as he had on his shoulders commanding Iowa's offense.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire:Up-and-coming squad takes Iowa PG Bennett Stirtz in CBS NBA mock draft