Lu Dort’s Journey from Draft Night Disappointment to Defensive Dominance
In 2019, Luguentz Dort—known as Lu to friends, teammates, and frustrated opponents—had his sights set on the NBA draft. After leaving Arizona State following his freshman season, Dort was ready for his moment. He traveled to New York with hopes of being a first-round pick or at least an early second-round selection. However, the night ended without his name being called, leaving him with a mix of emotions.
What followed was a compelling journey that took Dort through the G League to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he has risen to become one of the NBA’s premier defenders. Mentored by Chris Paul and guided by coaches Billy Donovan and Mark Daigneault, Dort has established himself as a key piece of the Thunder’s defensive powerhouse. His bond with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a fellow Canadian and team leader, has further solidified his place in the league.
In a candid interview with Sports Illustrated’s “Open Floor” podcast, Dort opened up about his NBA journey, Oklahoma City’s rapid ascent, and the factors that have propelled him to the top of the league’s defensive ranks.
Reflecting on his draft night disappointment, Dort shared his emotional rollercoaster as he waited for his name to be called. From the repeated camera shots capturing his every reaction to the eventual call from Thunder general manager Sam Presti offering him a two-way contract, Dort’s resilience and determination shone through.
Dort’s transition to the Thunder was marked by rebuilding efforts following high-profile trades involving Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Embracing the opportunity, Dort showcased his defensive prowess, eventually earning a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
The pandemic-induced hiatus provided Dort with valuable time to hone his skills and fine-tune his defensive strategies. Through film study and focused workouts, Dort emerged from the break as a tenacious defender, ready to challenge any opponent.
Dort credits his defensive acumen to a combination of studying opponents’ tendencies and honing his own physical attributes. His attention to detail, especially in analyzing opponents’ screening techniques, has set him apart on the defensive end.
With a roster boasting multiple elite defenders, Dort highlighted the collaborative learning environment within the Thunder. Sharing insights and tactics with teammates like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace has enhanced Dort’s defensive capabilities and contributed to the team’s collective success.
Despite his defensive prowess, Dort has also improved his three-point shooting, leveraging opportunities created by teammates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Dedication to practice and film study has helped Dort elevate his offensive game while maintaining his defensive excellence.
As the Thunder aim for championship contention, Dort remains focused on team success while harboring individual aspirations such as Defensive Player of the Year recognition. His commitment to consistent performance and relentless effort on both ends of the court position him as a formidable force in the NBA.
Dort’s journey from draft night disappointment to defensive stalwart encapsulates the resilience and determination that define his career trajectory. With Oklahoma City’s defensive prowess guiding their playoff aspirations, Dort’s evolution stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity in the NBA landscape.