{"id":195817,"date":"2026-05-17T13:42:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T17:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=195817"},"modified":"2026-05-18T07:23:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T11:23:03","slug":"bennett-stirtz-raptors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/17\/bennett-stirtz-raptors\/","title":{"rendered":"Bennett Stirtz’s Raptors Fit: Could He Solve Toronto’s Offensive Problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Raptors continue searching for young players who fit their evolving identity, which is why standout prospect Bennett Stirtz<\/a> has started gaining attention ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

Could Bennett Stirtz Solve Toronto Raptors’ Offensive Problems?<\/h2>\n

Toronto\u2019s playoff run against the Cleveland Cavaliers exposed several roster weaknesses<\/a>, especially involving halfcourt creation, perimeter shooting consistency, and secondary playmaking behind Scottie Barnes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That is where Stirtz’s fit with the Raptors becomes interesting.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> connected to this year’s draft cycle. His offensive skill set, decision-making, and pace-control could address some of Toronto\u2019s long-term needs.<\/p>\n

Why The Stirtz Fit Makes Sense<\/h3>\n

Stirtz\u2019s biggest strength is his offensive control.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Raptors’\u00a0offense 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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s range at pick No. 19<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Toronto Needs More Halfcourt Creation<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the biggest lessons from the first round was that Toronto still lacks reliable half-court offense.<\/p>\n

The Raptors were at their best in transition and when forcing turnovers defensively, but generating clean offense\u00a0in slower possessions remained a major issue throughout the series. That problem became especially noticeable late in games<\/a>, where they struggled to protect leads and create quality shots in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

Toronto already has strong athletes and defensive-minded guards, but the roster still needs more offensive organization and shooting consistency around Barnes. Stirtz\u2019s offensive profile directly addresses some of those weaknesses because of his passing feel, shot creation, and perimeter touch.<\/p>\n

He also provides something Toronto\u2019s younger rotation occasionally lacked: offensive composure.<\/p>\n

His Shooting Could Help Toronto Immediately<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conversation around Stirtz becomes even more interesting when looking at Toronto\u2019s spacing concerns.<\/p>\n

The Raptors have already started building a faster and more aggressive roster, but consistent 3-point shooting remains one of the team\u2019s clearest weaknesses. That issue showed up repeatedly during the Cleveland series despite occasional hot shooting stretches.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, who are most effective attacking downhill and collapsing defenses.<\/p>\n

Defensive Concerns Still Exist<\/h3>\n

The biggest concern about Stirtz is his defensive upside.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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