Bennett Stirtz Impresses in Preseason, Raising Questions About Bulls' Draft Choice

Stirtz has been making headlines since the Summer League and continued his impressive showing in the preseason. In a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where several established NBA players participated, he recorded 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range.

Prior to his NBA career, Stirtz established himself as a dynamic player at Iowa, averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals over two years. He demonstrated exceptional court vision and shooting ability, both of which could benefit any NBA team needing a guard.

Stirtz's skills appear to align with what the Bulls need as they build their offense. His capacity to play off the ball and create scoring opportunities for teammates, particularly big men, highlights his versatility and potential impact.

Conversely, the Bulls have chosen to rely on Swain, who they hope will develop into a two-way wing. Swain stands 6'7" with a wingspan of 6'10" and showed improvement in his shooting during his college career. He averaged 1.7 offensive rebounds per game and played as a capable defender, which could complement the Bulls' future lineup alongside players like Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson.

While it is uncertain how Swain will perform at the NBA level, Stirtz's early success raises ongoing questions about whether Chicago made the right choice with their draft pick. As the season progresses, the comparison between Stirtz and Swain is likely to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.