The Toronto Raptors continue searching for young players who fit their evolving identity, which is why standout prospect Bennett Stirtz has started gaining attention ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Could Bennett Stirtz Solve Toronto Raptors’ Offensive Problems?
Toronto’s playoff run against the Cleveland Cavaliers exposed several roster weaknesses, especially involving halfcourt creation, perimeter shooting consistency, and secondary playmaking behind Scottie Barnes.
That is where Stirtz’s fit with the Raptors becomes interesting.
After a breakout season with the Drake Bulldogs, Stirtz transferred to the Iowa Hawkeyes and quickly became one of the more intriguing offensive guard prospects connected to this year’s draft cycle. His offensive skill set, decision-making, and pace-control could address some of Toronto’s long-term needs.
Why The Stirtz Fit Makes Sense
Stirtz’s biggest strength is his offensive control.
During his breakout year before transferring to Iowa, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.7 assists while shooting efficiently both from the field and 3-point range. His ability to create advantages in pick-and-roll situations constantly stood out. That matters for Toronto.
The Raptors’ offense frequently became stagnant late in games, which made additional shot creation and perimeter scoring feel like major priorities moving forward. Stirtz could help address both.
He plays with patience, changes pace effectively, and consistently makes quick decisions with the ball. Unlike many younger guards, he rarely looks rushed offensively. That style fits well next to Barnes.
Another reason the Stirtz-Raptors conversation feels realistic is his projected draft range. Myriad mock drafts currently place Stirtz somewhere between picks 16-23, which puts him directly in Toronto’s range at pick No. 19. For a Raptors team searching for more shot creation, shooting, and offensive organization, Stirtz could realistically still be available when Toronto is on the clock.
Toronto Needs More Halfcourt Creation
One of the biggest lessons from the first round was that Toronto still lacks reliable half-court offense.
The Raptors were at their best in transition and when forcing turnovers defensively, but generating clean offense in slower possessions remained a major issue throughout the series. That problem became especially noticeable late in games, where they struggled to protect leads and create quality shots in the fourth quarter.
Toronto already has strong athletes and defensive-minded guards, but the roster still needs more offensive organization and shooting consistency around Barnes. Stirtz’s offensive profile directly addresses some of those weaknesses because of his passing feel, shot creation, and perimeter touch.
He also provides something Toronto’s younger rotation occasionally lacked: offensive composure.
His Shooting Could Help Toronto Immediately
The conversation around Stirtz becomes even more interesting when looking at Toronto’s spacing concerns.
The Raptors have already started building a faster and more aggressive roster, but consistent 3-point shooting remains one of the team’s clearest weaknesses. That issue showed up repeatedly during the Cleveland series despite occasional hot shooting stretches.
Stirtz shot 37.2 percent from three during his college career while consistently creating difficult pull-up shots and off-dribble jumpers. That type of perimeter scoring would help Toronto significantly, especially next to Barnes and RJ Barrett, who are most effective attacking downhill and collapsing defenses.
Defensive Concerns Still Exist
The biggest concern about Stirtz is his defensive upside.
Toronto has clearly prioritized length, athleticism, and defensive versatility throughout the roster. Stirtz does not naturally fit that same physical archetype. That does not mean he cannot become a functional NBA defender. However, the Raptors would likely need to believe his offensive upside outweighs some of his defensive limitations.
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Fortunately for Toronto, the team has other strong perimeter defenders capable of helping cover some of those weaknesses.
Why Stirtz’s Fit With the Young Core Matters
Barnes elevated his game significantly against Cleveland, Barrett looked comfortable as a secondary scorer, and younger players like Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead continued earning larger responsibilities throughout the postseason, further proving why Toronto had some of the NBA’s biggest playoff risers this year.
Adding another young offensive creator who fits the timeline could make sense.
Stirtz would not need to arrive and immediately become a star-level player. Instead, he could grow alongside Toronto’s current core while helping stabilize some of the offensive issues that appeared during the playoffs.
The Last Word
Stirtz may not be the most physically dominant prospect connected to Toronto this offseason. Still, his offensive skill set, shooting ability, pace and playmaking make him a very intriguing fit for a Raptors team still searching for more half-court stability.
After the playoffs exposed Toronto’s need for additional perimeter creation and shooting, Stirtz feels exactly like the type of player the Raptors should evaluate moving forward.
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