The Oklahoma City Thunder are well represented at the 2023 FIBA World Cup tournament, headlined by Team Canada, who have the second-best odds to win the World Cup, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort.
After a long exhibition stretch, Team Canada tipped off pool play on Friday, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like the superstar he is to earn Canada an impressive and dominant opening night win over Team France. While Lu Dort had less success than his OKC Thunder counterpart, he was still important for the Canadians on the defensive end of the floor.
The OKC Thunder will see Lu Dort scratched from Team Canada’s second game at the FIBA World Cup tournament.
Following Friday’s game against Team France, Oklahoma City Thunder wing Lu Dort experienced “soreness.” As a precaution, Team Canada is electing to rest Lu Dort for Sunday’s tilt against Lebanon.
Per sources: Lu Dort will be a scratch today for Canada.
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) August 27, 2023
Came out with soreness after the France game, and as a precaution, Canada will sit him today vs. Lebanon - especially with Latvia next on Tuesday.
About managing these bodies for the duration of the entire World Cup. pic.twitter.com/afsVsMEa7v
Here's your starting 5⃣ for today
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 27, 2023
2⃣ - @shaiglalex
2⃣4⃣ - @dillonbrooks24
9⃣ - @RjBarrett6
1⃣3⃣ - @KellyOlynyk
7⃣ - @DwightPowell33
LIVE on @Sportsnet #FIBAWC | #WinForCanada pic.twitter.com/VbCxAiYbWM
The goal is for Lu Dort to be ready to play against a stronger opponent (team Latvia, headlined by OKC Thunder big man Davis Bertans) on Tuesday. Team Canada is attempting to manage the workload for their roster, given the hopes and expectations of a lengthy 2023 FIBA World Cup run.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will look to lead Team Canada to a 2-0 start against a Lebanon team that should be overmatched. He will be joined in the starting five by four other NBA-ers. Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, and Dwight Powell.
Lu Dort will undoubtedly be missed on the defensive end, and these are valuable repetitions for his offseason development in a competitive environment with many offensive skills to hone in on. Regardless, it is good that Team Canada is taking precautionary measures with the OKC Thunder wing, and he projects to be back on the hardwood on Tuesday. State-side fans can check out Team Canada’s run through the FIBA World Cup on ESPN+.