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Cade Cunningham draws Hollywood comparison from Pistons head coach
It’s been a busy week for the Detroit Pistons. Not only did they have eyes on the incoming rookie class out in Chicago ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, but the team is focused on its second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Next month, the Pistons are expected to go on the clock with pick No. 21 from the Minnesota Timberwolves. No matter what happens in Game 7 against Cleveland, and potentially beyond that, the Pistons’ strategy late in the first round shouldn’t change.
Trajan Langdon and his front office need to take the best player available. Bleacher Report’s post-combine mock draft suggests that the player could be Bennett Stirtz out of Iowa. The point guard could become a backup option for Cade Cunningham next season.
What Would Bennett Stirtz Bring To The Pistons?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 26: Alvaro Folgueiras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a basket with Bennett Stirtz #14 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
“He’s not going to win any athletic or physical competitions, and being a 23-year-old rookie will likely dissuade lottery teams in a draft that’s loaded with ball-handlers. But in the teens or 20s, Stirtz will look like a value pick whose college impact, shotmaking, IQ and finishing/touch simply looks too advanced to write off because of age or limited speed/explosion,” BR’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote.
Stirtz is a 6’4” point guard with comparisons to the former veteran, Malcolm Brogdon.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: Malcolm Brogdon #15 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against Pacome Dadiet #4 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
During the 2024-2025 NCAA season, Stirtz played at Drake. He averaged nearly 40 minutes on the court in 35 games. Stirtz produced 10.2 points per game, leading the MVC. He posted 5.7 assists per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals.
Stirtz finished his college career with a run at Iowa. In 37 games, he led the conference with 37.7 minutes per game. The senior shot 47.7% from the field and hit on 35.8% of his threes, taking 6.9 attempts per game.
Despite going against more challenging competition, Stirtz remained just as productive. He put up 19.8 points per game and produced 4.4 assists per game.
With the Pistons cutting ties with one of their reliable homegrown ball-handlers in Jaden Ivey in 2025-2026, Stirtz would certainly fill a need.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
