The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without their second offensive option in Jalen Williams for a couple of weeks as he heals from a hamstring injury.
In one sense, this is obviously not a good development. Although Williams' 3-point volume and efficiency have taken a major dip this season as he heals from his offseason wrist surgery, he's been dominant getting downhill and to the rim. He's averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists through 24 games.
On the other hand, however, Williams' absence will force the Thunder to turn yet again to a more egalitarian offensive structure. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will still be the top dog, but opportunities will arise for supporting players to have big offensive nights.
Lu Dort, who desperately needs a resurgence if he wants to stay in Oklahoma City, must take full advantage of Williams' absence.
Lu Dort needs to make his presence felt with Williams out
Although Dort has been as impactful a defender as ever, his offensive production has taken a major step back this season. Through 34 games, he's averaging 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while knocking down just 34.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
This comes off the back of the most efficient season of his career, in which he shot 43.5% from the field and 41.2% from 3-point range, proving himself as a solid offensive option.
Now, however, the Thunder are presented with a choice. Both Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein have club options this offseason. Dort's is for $18 million, while Hartenstien's is for $28 million. If the team wishes to dodge heavy second-apron penalties, they will need to part with one of these players this offseason.
As of now, Dort would be the obvious choice. Although he has started every game this season in which he's been healthy, the Thunder have a clear replacement for him in emergent young defender Cason Wallace.
If Dort wants to make the decision difficult, he needs to start producing on the offensive end.
With Williams out, touches will be spread more equally throughout the rotation. Players such as Dort, Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Isaiah Joe will need to pick up the slack.
In the one game that Williams has been absent, Dort has already started down this path. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he posted 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, going 5-of-6 from 3-point range.
If he can keep this trend going, we could be seeing Dort's resurgence as an offensive option as we speak.