Next man up: 5 OKC Thunder players that can benefit from Hamidou Diallo’s absence
Luguentz Dort:
Although it’s unlikely Billy Donovan would elect to go this route a case can be made that Lu Dort should get the call up from the OKC Blue for a shot at some extended minutes with the varsity club.
| G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 30.7 | 13.5 | .506 | 6.0 | .306 | 7.5 | .667 | 4.7 | .714 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 20.8 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/26/2019.
Through six appearances with the Thunder G-League affiliate the OKC Blue, Dort’s production is impressive. As his Basketball Reference chart above indicates the Canadian is averaging 20.8 points, 3.2 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
His body is ready-made for the pros and he uses it effectively particularly on the offensive glass where he pulls down as many as Justin Patton (2.0). Additionally, he is adept at game management and combines it with aggressive takes to the paint which often results in free throw attempts. The 20-year old is obviously still raw and has weaknesses such as his below-average perimeter shooting (30.6 percent) on six attempts per game.
Facing a varsity defense it’s conceivable he’ll shoot less efficiently and there are obvious limitations defensively where he’s still learning the system. The question with Dort is would the 3-point shot be that much of a deterrent given Nader is shooting at a worse efficiency? And, would it really be a negative to give him time instead of Nader when he clearly is aggressive offensively, will get to the line, crash the glass and unlike any of the trio above has advanced playmaking skills.
Food for thought!