OKC Thunder: Dort – I put in a lot of good work, I’m really ready for season!

Media Day for the OKC Thunder was front and center today as the players took to the podium to discuss their offseason and upcoming 2021-22 season.

The Thunder executive VP and GM, Sam Presti spoke to the media on Friday kicking off these media sessions with his annual preseason presser.

While the executive touched on individuals one of his comments could easily have been specifically referencing defensive specialist Luguentz Dort:

"“For a young group of guys that’s trying to declare themselves — and ultimately, they’re really fighting and clawing and scratching to be a part of the next, to build the identity of the team going forward. The principles of the team, the values of the team, those things are unwavering. They don’t change from the day we showed up to this second, we have a certain level of principles and values that we stand by and stand on."

Dort: ‘OKC Thunder is a young hungry team, we’ll compete every night’

The media praised Lu Dort for his offensive growth last season but asked him how excited he is to play with this iteration of the OKC Thunder with so many playmakers and ballhandlers.

‘I mean, I’m really excited. Just going into the year, I know what to expect now. Last year was a little new to me just at this level, but now I kind of know what to expect, so that’s a lot of stuff worked on this off-season, too, and it’s great to have Shai and Josh to be here on the team to help, also. But I always keep playing and watch film and just get better.’

On playing for his National Team — how much did it impact his growth and his disappointment in not getting to the Olympics (Canada lost in overtime in the qualifying tournament).

‘I feel like it was great, just being with all the top Canadian players. Yeah, it didn’t end up the way that we wanted. We lost, but at the same time, it was a great experience, just seeing some new guys, some tough guys and being coached by some different coaches from different teams. I mean, it was fun. It was definitely a learning experience. I always learn from all the stuff that I do, so I mean, it was great. I had a fun time, and I’ll even go back in the next few years.’

On his offseason training:

Dort also noted how he focuses on eating right and conditioning to take care of his body. That included adding boxing to his routine.

A media representative brought up his 30-point effort versus the Rockets in the bubble and his offensive progression last season asking if they’ll be something new coming this year. And the follow-up was how different it will be to play in front of fans again.

His background playing a goaltender in soccer was noted and he was asked if he felt that helped him defensively (lateral slides). Dort responds “maybe because of having to move your feet”  but noted he only played from age four to 10.

Dort’s thoughts on rebuilding, being a leader and his expectations for SGA:

Dort calls it a learning process and praises the former Thunder players for establishing the tone. He says they’re a young hungry team “no matter if we win or lose, as long as we leave it on the court every night (that’s what matters).” He also states it will require time and patience.

As for SGA, his fellow Canadian was effusive in his praise:

Dort adds he knows the components Shai has added this offseason and hints his captain has way more to show.

The OKC Thunder defensive specialist had a busy summer between playing for his National Team and impressing head coach Nick Nurse in that endeavor. He also received Quebec National Assembly, Medal of Honor,  and conducted his first annual basketball camp in Montreal.

As Dort returns for his third season, there is ample room for growth from the defensive specialist. The quality of his character is on par with a former player who ended up nicknamed Mr. Thunder (Nick Collison). And while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the undisputed captain and star of this club Lu Dort is his equal in terms of his defensive presence and leadership.

Last season Dort took a leap improving upon his rookie season with averages of 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and shot the 3-ball with an efficiency of 34.3 percent.