Lu Dort's Final FIBA Stretch is Crucial For Regular Season Momentum in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City's defensive stopper has struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball throughout international ball.

With international basketball in season, Oklahoma City’s stars are shining on the court. Between Team Canada, Australia and Latvia, the Thunder’s top players are performing all across FIBA and displaying the depth and talent in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have been on fire, leading their teams in most categories and turning in big performances. Even Davis Bertans got in on the action, knocking down deep triples and firing away offensively. Lu Dort, however, has yet to put things into gear.

Dort has been coming off the bench for a loaded Team Canada squad and hasn’t quite found his shot yet. He struggled from the floor in Canada’s exhibition games but still brought the defensive energy needed to play valuable minutes and have a role on the team.

In Canada’s first game of match play, a blowout win over New Zealand, Dort scored seven points on just 3-of-12 from the floor and 1-of-7 from 3-point range. He and Dillon Brooks are teaming up to create one of the toughest perimeter defenses in international basketball, but the offense is still lacking.

Dort’s offensive game took a bit of a dip last season in Oklahoma City’s lineup, and everyone else seemed to improve by leaps and bounds. Of course, what Dort brings to the floor is invaluable in terms of defense and energy. He could help the Thunder take things to the next level with improvements on the other side of the ball. A season ago, he averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists, but shot just 38.8% from the floor and 33% from 3-point range. Dort has never been an efficient scorer, but in 2021-22 he shot 40.4% from the floor.

With so much offensive firepower and lineup versatility, Dort must be able to contribute something. The Thunder can’t have any non-factors on offense — especially players that could potentially clog up the lane for Gilgeous-Alexander. He needs to be able to drive and kick, operating the full lane.

Throughout the rest of the FIBA period, Dort needs an efficient few games to kickstart his 2023-24 campaign. The Thunder need him on the floor to set the tone and help with identity, but he can’t be a liability on offense. If he can catch fire over the next few games, it could go a long way in developing confidence and consistency over the course of a massive season in Oklahoma City.

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