Summer League Finale Highlights Iowa Alumni Performances
The 2026 NBA Summer League drew to a close in Las Vegas on Thursday, marking the final chapter for a group of former Iowa Hawkeyes who have been making noise across the league's developmental circuit. The tournament, held in the desert heat, offered a preview of the next wave of talent heading into the regular season.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the night carried particular significance. Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix took the court against the Brooklyn Nets, each hoping to break a winless streak that has followed them through the first four games of the summer. The trio has been a focal point of the Thunder's offense, and their chemistry has been closely watched by coaches and analysts alike.
Stirtz, who has led the Thunder in scoring in three of Oklahoma City's four games in Las Vegas, continued to demonstrate his scoring versatility. In the previous night's loss, Sandfort contributed 12 points while Dix added 11, underscoring the depth of talent the Hawkeyes alumni bring to the roster.
On the other side of the bracket, Brendan Hausen prepared for the championship showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies against the Golden State Warriors. Hausen's participation comes after he was held out of the Grizzlies' 101‑90 semifinal victory over the Houston Rockets, a game in which he did not see minutes but had shown flashes of quick‑scoring potential earlier in the week.
The championship matchup promises a fresh opportunity for Hausen to translate his summer performances into a decisive impact. As the final buzzer approaches, the former Hawkeyes' journeys illustrate both the challenges and the promise that accompany a transition from college to the professional arena.