The Toronto Raptors are closing in on their first-round pick at the 2026 NBA Draft, with Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz the latest name linked to the No.19 selection. The Raptors, who also hold the No.50 pick, need backcourt depth after finishing 34-48 last season. Last result: Cleveland Cavaliers 114-102 Toronto Raptors (2026-05-03). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2.
Who is Bennett Stirtz?
Bennett Stirtz is a 6-4 guard who transferred from Division II to a mid-major and then to Iowa, where he became an All-Big Ten performer. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in his final college season, shooting 37.6% from the floor and 35.0% from three. Scouts highlight his isolation scoring and pick-and-roll finishing, with 24 points against Illinois and 20 against Nebraska in March Madness. The Raptors, who play at a slow pace, see Stirtz as a fit for their half-court sets.
Why Toronto Raptors want Stirtz
The Raptors ranked 22nd in assists per game last season and need a guard who can create his own shot. Stirtz logged 15.4 points per game while handling primary ball duties, showing the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. His 5.7 assists per game suggest he can run second units, a role Toronto lacks behind Malachi Flynn and Gradey Dick. The team’s slow-tempo offense could maximize Stirtz’s catch-and-finish ability in dribble handoffs.
What happens next for Stirtz and Toronto?
Stirtz is scheduled to meet with the Raptors before the draft, per league sources. If he slides past the Milwaukee Bucks at No.15, Toronto could land him with the No.19 pick. The Raptors then pick again at No.50, where they may target a wing or big to bolster depth. The draft starts at 7 p.m. ET on June 23, with the second round following on June 24.
How Stirtz fits Toronto’s timeline
Toronto is in a rebuild, with Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby leading a young core. Adding Stirtz gives them a guard who can develop alongside Flynn and Dick, while adding size on the perimeter. His ability to play off the ball and in transition could ease the load on Toronto’s frontcourt. The Raptors’ slow pace suits Stirtz’s half-court game, where he can exploit mismatches in isolation or the pick-and-roll.
