Former Iowa Star Josh Dix Lands NBA Opportunity After Draft Disappointment And the Destination Couldn’t Be More Interesting

Josh Dix didn’t hear his name called during the 2026 NBA Draft, but the former Iowa standout won’t have to wait long for his chance to prove he belongs in the league.

Just hours after the draft came to an end, Dix secured an NBA opportunity by agreeing to a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to an announcement made by his agency, Priority Sports, on June 24. The deal gives the former Hawkeye a pathway to split time between the Thunder and their NBA G League affiliate while continuing his development at the professional level.

For Dix, the signing marks the beginning of a new chapter after a college career defined by steady improvement, clutch performances, and one final season away from Iowa that helped prepare him for the next level.

A New Beginning After Going Undrafted

Not hearing his name called on draft night can be disappointing for any player. But for many NBA hopefuls, the real work starts after the draft concludes.

That proved true for Dix.

Instead of allowing the disappointment of going undrafted to define him, the former Hawkeye quickly found an opportunity with one of the NBA’s most respected organizations. Oklahoma City has built a reputation for developing young talent, making it an attractive landing spot for players looking to earn a permanent NBA roster position.

A two-way contract allows Dix to spend time with both the Thunder and the franchise’s G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, giving him valuable opportunities to showcase his shooting, scoring ability, and versatility against professional competition.

Three Productive Years at Iowa

Before beginning his professional journey, Dix established himself as one of Iowa’s most reliable offensive players under longtime head coach Fran McCaffery.

The Council Bluffs native spent his first three collegiate seasons wearing the black and gold, steadily improving each year while becoming an important piece of the Hawkeyes’ lineup.

During his Iowa career, Dix scored more than 800 points, consistently demonstrating his ability to score from multiple areas on the floor.

His biggest statistical season came during his junior year, when he averaged a career-high 14.4 points per game. That offensive breakout showed his growth into one of the team’s primary scoring options and increased his visibility among NBA scouts.

The Shot Hawkeye Fans Won’t Forget

Among the many moments Dix produced at Iowa, one stands above the rest.

In December 2024, he delivered a dramatic game-winning three-pointer against Northwestern, creating one of the most memorable highlights of his Hawkeye career.

The clutch basket became one of the defining plays of Iowa’s season and showcased the confidence that made Dix such a dangerous perimeter scorer in late-game situations.

Those moments helped cement his reputation as a player capable of delivering when the pressure was at its highest.

A Difficult Decision Led to Creighton

Everything changed for Iowa basketball following the coaching transition.

After Fran McCaffery’s departure, Dix decided to enter the transfer portal and spend his final season elsewhere, ultimately choosing Creighton for his senior campaign.

The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete in another high-level program while continuing to prepare for professional basketball.

Despite adjusting to a new system and new teammates, Dix remained a dependable scorer.

He averaged 13.2 points per game during his lone season with the Bluejays, proving that his offensive production could translate regardless of the program or conference.

His ability to adapt to a different environment only strengthened his professional résumé heading into the NBA Draft process.

Elite Shooting Became His Calling Card

One of the biggest reasons Oklahoma City showed interest in Dix is his perimeter shooting.

By the time his college career concluded, he had connected on 38.4 percent of his three-point attempts, making him one of the more reliable outside shooters available after the draft.

In today’s NBA, floor spacing is more valuable than ever, and players capable of consistently knocking down shots from beyond the arc often receive opportunities to develop within organizations.

For Dix, that shooting ability could become the skill that helps him carve out a long-term NBA career.

A Familiar Face Awaits in Oklahoma City

The Thunder won’t be an entirely new environment for Dix.

Waiting for him in the organization is former Iowa teammate Payton Sandfort.

The two shared the court for three seasons with the Hawkeyes before following separate paths toward professional basketball.

Sandfort signed with Oklahoma City after going undrafted in 2025. During the past season, he spent much of his time with the OKC Blue while also making limited appearances for the Thunder at the NBA level.

Now, the longtime Iowa teammates will once again have the opportunity to work together within the same organization as they continue pursuing full-time NBA careers.

Having a familiar teammate already inside the franchise could make Dix’s transition into professional basketball considerably smoother.

Bennett Stirtz Adds Another Iowa Connection

Dix isn’t the only recent Iowa player heading to Oklahoma City.

During the opening night of the 2026 NBA Draft, Bennett Stirtz was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Thunder.

The move made Stirtz Iowa’s first NBA Draft selection since Kris Murray entered the league in 2023.

It also marked the Hawkeyes’ highest draft pick since Keegan Murray was chosen fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.

With Stirtz joining the organization through the draft and Dix arriving shortly afterward on a two-way contract, Oklahoma City has quietly become a destination for Iowa basketball talent.

Different Hawkeye Eras Now Meet in Oklahoma City

One of the more fascinating storylines surrounding the Thunder is how multiple generations of Iowa basketball are now coming together within the same organization.

Dix and Sandfort both developed under former Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, while Bennett Stirtz represents the beginning of a new era after playing under Ben McCollum.

Although they arrived through different paths and played for different coaching staffs, all three now share the same goal earning meaningful roles within one of the NBA’s brightest young franchises.

That unique overlap highlights both Iowa’s recent success in producing professional talent and Oklahoma City’s willingness to invest in players who fit its long-term vision.

A Chance to Earn More Than a Contract

Signing a two-way deal is only the first step.

For Josh Dix, the challenge now becomes proving he deserves a permanent place on an NBA roster.

His college résumé already includes more than 800 career points, a junior season averaging 14.4 points per game at Iowa, a productive final year at Creighton with 13.2 points per contest, and an impressive 38.4 percent career three-point shooting mark.

Those numbers helped earn him an opportunity despite going undrafted.

Now, he’ll look to reward the Thunder’s faith by continuing to develop his game, competing for minutes, and chasing the dream every undrafted player shares turning a two-way contract into a full-time NBA career.

For Iowa basketball fans, Dix’s signing is another reminder that the program continues producing talent capable of reaching the professional ranks. And with Payton Sandfort already in the organization and first-round pick Bennett Stirtz also joining Oklahoma City, Thunder fans may soon become very familiar with the Hawkeye pipeline.