Lu Dort Demonstrating Positive Progression Through Four Games

Lu Dort has always been a terrific defender. The next step in his maturation process is contributing consistently on the offensive end.

Through four games so far, he seems to have settled into his role around Oklahoma City's young core. It felt like there wouldn't be enough shots to go around heading into the season, but so far, it has been a positive stretch.

Last season, Dort attempted a total of 11.8 shots per game, and the year before, even higher at 14.2. Through four games this season, he's only taking 8.8 shots per game, which feels like the perfect number for him.

On those shot attempts, Dort is averaging 12.5 points per game on 51.4% shooting and 38.9% from 3-point range. The highest field goal percentage Dort has ever had in his career was 40.4% in 2021.

For Dort to fit in the Thunder's offense he needed to improve in three key areas: shot selection, outside shooting consistency, and converting at a higher rate on drives to the basket. So far, it looks like he's done a solid job in all three areas.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, there's no real need for Dort to provide any isolation ability in Oklahoma City's lineup. He's probably the fifth scoring option in the starting five behind Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren. He seems to finally be bought into letting the offense come to him and not forcing shots.

Of course, he's never going to change who he is fundamentally as a player, and the Thunder don't want him to lose confidence. It was just a matter of toning it back a bit and fitting into Oklahoma City's free-flowing offense.

His back cuts and off-ball slashes to the rim can continue to be very effective if he's finishing through contact during the season.

His defensive prowess has stayed the same, averaging 1.5 steals and a block in his 29 minutes per game. So far, so good for Dort's improvement across the board, and it's paying dividends for the Thunder.

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