OKC Thunder take advantage of undrafted prospects adding Luguentz Dort
The 2019 NBA Draft netted the OKC Thunder Darius Bazley and a post draft signing of Arizona State guard Luguentz Dort.
Similar to last year OKC Thunder General Manager, Sam Presti took time as the 2019 NBA Draft was coming to completion to add assets to the roster. This season it was Canadian Luguentz Dort who played last season at Arizona State. Dort topped the list of players draft guru Jonathan Givony cited as the best prospect who went undrafted.
Top undrafted prospects (ESPN Top-100): Lu Dort, Terence Davis, Jontay Porter, DaQuan Jeffries, Zylan Cheatham, Shamorie Ponds, Jalen Lecque, Naz Reid, Lou King, Yovel Zoosman, Jaylen Hoard, Justin Robinson, Justin Harper, Dedric Lawson, Zach Norvell, Josh Obiesie, John Konchar
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 21, 2019
Thunderous Intentions profile on Dort noted his shortcomings, but signing him to a two-way deal was one of Sam Presti’s better choices of the evening. Granted, I’d still like him to consider adding Louis King who I’m a little baffled on why he wasn’t drafted.
Arizona State's Lu Dort will sign a full two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a source told ESPN. Not clear why he went undrafted, but he did turn down some draft and stash offers I'm told.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 21, 2019
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The Arizona freshman delivered in his freshman campaign posting averages of 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Like most of Presti’s picks the 6’4″ guard did not impress behind the arc shooting just 30.7 percent on 5.2 attempts per game.
My profile offers some insight on Dort’s strengths and weaknesses but the keys are his defensive prowess and his less than stellar 3-point shooting. Since he’ll spend his time with the OKC Thunder on a two way contract questions arise.
For example, is Presti simply adding a player for the future who’ll be able to eventually make the team or is this a sign Presti may be keen to move Dennis Schroder. The latter has been cited as one of the trio (Schroder, Steven Adams, and Andre Roberson) of players Sam Presti is looking to trade in an effort to reduce salary overhead.
For now, expect to see the young man in Las Vegas where we’ll get a better idea of his potential. Albeit, this will only offer glimpses of his potential and shortcomings not a true reflection of his full range.
Next. With the 23rd pick, Thunder select Darius Bazley. dark
And, if Billy Donovan continues to avoid featuring the youngsters in varsity gameplay the best looks will come with his time on the OKC Blue.