Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate with Lu Dort Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Lu Dort’s is rapidly developing into a three-and-d type, rather than just one of the best on-ball defensive players in the Association.
It’s a tough year for Dort’s Thunder, who even with a win over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night sit far out of the playoff picture. Yet, there’s plenty to be excited about when it comes to the Thunder’s futures. First and foremost is the current crop of players, which includes Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Dort can defend with the best of them, but his presence as a legitimate threat from behind the arc is what could make him even more dependable as a starting wing in this league. As time expired against San Antonio, Dort proved he can hit that corner three with regularity, even in the toughest of situations.
The Thunder have plenty to look forward to in Lu Dort
It’s easy to examine Dort as purely one-dimensional, but he’s still just 21 years of age. With the right development and shooting coaches, Dort could become a Bruce Bowen-type — a player with consistent All Defensive Team finishes, but who isn’t a liability on the offensive end of the floor.
That’s why the Thunder drafted him. OKC has a few seasons to play with as they cash in on their assets from the Paul George trade, and allow their young players to learn on the fly.