What happened: The Memphis Grizzlies selected Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Stirtz now joins the Grizzlies' young core heading into the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: The mid-first-round selection adds a backcourt piece as Memphis continues shaping its roster around its developing core. The move has been read around the league as part of a broader reset, with the franchise positioning for the seasons ahead rather than an immediate win-now push.

What to watch: Watch for how Stirtz fits into the Grizzlies' rotation plans and whether Memphis makes additional moves as the draft and offseason unfold.