The Oklahoma City Thunder’s entry into the title race has been loudly heard throughout the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP candidate for two straight seasons and is accompanied by two rising stars and a solid core of role players.
With the big name addition, the team’s players could get lost in the crowd when it comes to praise for their contributions to the club. Sixth-year goalie Lu Dort is that Thunder player.
X (formerly Twitter) user LegionHoops posted a question that sparked conversation, asking fans to name players who deserve more recognition, with the post’s cover photo being Dort. Thunder rising star Chet Holmgren responded to the post, saying Dort deserved “a lot more” credit.
Much more https://t.co/K2maOfyZ3A
– Chet Holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) August 20, 2024
It’s easy to see why Dort might have been lost in the mix. His best scoring season came as the team was starting to gain momentum, though his role has become more balanced as the team has accumulated more talent. His scoring averages have dipped slightly, though his impact hasn’t changed much.
On defense, where Dort makes his living, the Thunder have really stepped up. It’s a team effort, and Dort is joined by other defensive aces like Cason Wallace and Holmgre, with Alex Caruso adding to the mix.
On both ends of the court, it’s easy to see Dort’s game being overshadowed. However, the culture and energy he brings to the court is a huge boost, and his ground-moving abilities from last season combined with his elite defensive prowess make him a key contributor on a competitive team.
Again, overlooking Dort’s impact is one thing, but ignoring him is another. He should no longer be ignored. He’s going to be a starter on a team that should win 50+ games and play deep in the playoffs while playing solid basketball on both ends of the floor.
Holmgren is right: Dort deserves more credit for his role in Oklahoma City. But with the power and depth of the Thunder’s roster, that’s not guaranteed for any player.
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