NBA.com’s writers each picked one player who has caught their eye during preseason play. Here are their choices.
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Brian Martin — Bennett Stirtz, Oklahoma City Thunder
After Memphis drafted him 16th and traded him to OKC, rookie guard Bennett Stirtz is making an early case as one of the draft’s best shooters: he has made 14 of 26 threes in four preseason games and is averaging 17 points. With Jared McCain also shooting well, Stirtz could help fill the Thunder’s need for outside scoring.
Another look at this incredible sequence from NAW 🤯
Last season’s @Kia NBA Most Improved Player broke out the 360 pass, then relocated to the corner to sink the 3-pointer in yesterday’s preseason win for the @ATLHawks 👌 https://t.co/B40Ggkg9v4
— NBA (@NBA) October 13, 2026
Shaun Powell — Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mara has made the most of his expanded preseason role, averaging 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. The 7-foot-3 rookie could give OKC useful paint depth, especially against elite centres like Victor Wembanyama.
John Schuhmann — Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers
Walker’s 10 assists and just one turnover in 28 minutes against Minnesota offered a glimpse of the playmaking and versatility Indiana has been waiting for. After a limited role with the Pacers so far, that kind of growth could be a welcome boost.
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Jeff Zillgitt — Hugo González, Boston Celtics
González has contributed across the board in three preseason games, averaging 21.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per 36 minutes while shooting 61.5% from three. If the 20-year-old carries that efficiency into the regular season, he could earn more minutes and give Boston another floor-spacer.
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