Lu Dort is achieving in midseason what Andre Roberson could not do in five. He’s making Thunder fans understand the importance of a defensive specialist.
Even though Roberson’s shot rate is nearly 50%, most fans (and some media outlets) would rather complain about all corner three that he missed against his ability to protect some of the NBA’s best offensive players. .
For whatever reason, Roberson doesn’t connect with those who cheer and talk about the Thunder. Dort, in comparison, is the apple of everyone’s eye.
One of the reasons is his clutch performance in race four. He hit a 24-foot three-pointer with just under five minutes left giving the Thunder a 103-102 lead; Dort also did his usual number on James Harden.
Another reason, Dort, is that in many ways the perfect Thunder guy. The son of Haitian immigrants Dort grew up in North Montreal, where the median household income is just over $ 33,500 (American) per year.
Dort was canceled after just a year at Arizona State. He would start 21 games and was awarded a four-year contract. He’s the ultimate loser, a perfect representation of a city that, according to Pacific Northwest snobs, shouldn’t even have a team.
Billy Donovan says “Lu really has a great defensive talent. “…” He will work hard. “…” Pay attention.“
“I’m really happy for him because here is a player who left after his freshman year has not been drafted, has a two-way contract, is in the G-League, wants to know if he will ever get a chance to play in the NBA and it is little more than a year later from last year’s draft to start a playoff series and play significant minutes.“
When asked why Dort wasn’t drafted last summer, Donovan says it’s because people don’t appreciate or see talent in players like him.
“It’s all a matter of mentality that has the same physical characteristics that he had at Arizona State.” … “Not much has changed as a player.”
“He has an elite mentality; he has a special mentality.” … “You won’t find too many guys competing harder than him.”
It’s that mindset that allows Dort to protect some of the NBA’s best night in, night out scorers. As long as he never loses his advantage, Dort will become one of the most respected players to ever step on a pitch.
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With over 20 years of experience hosting local and national radio shows, Erik Gee is a fixture of Oklahoma sports media. He has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past six seasons. He is also the co-host of Pat Jones’s show on 97.1 The Sports Animal in Tulsa.
