End of the Season Thunder Awards: Defensive Player of the Year
Oklahoma City’s defense had an up and down season overall, but did have bright spots from multiple players.
Lu Dort has widely been considered one of the top defenders in the league, and he continues to be the top defender on the Thunder’s roster. Dort is continuously leaned on by OKC to defend the opposing team’s best offensive weapon, and has typically excelled at the task.
While Dort’s offense struggled mightily at times this season, his defense continued to help keep OKC competitive in games as other players relied on offensively.
Dort finished the season with a defensive rating of 115.9 this season as the overall OKC defense ranked 13th overall this season, with a rating of 113.2.
Dort has recorded a .080 defensive win share. Dort also recorded a steal per game, though his most important and impressive impact on defense was not recorded on a stat sheet.
Dort’s ability to defend multiple positions and hang with both bigger players and quicker shorter players make him one of the best defenders not only in OKC but in the entire league.
The intensity Dort plays defense with also goes unmatched on the team, as he makes other players better around him. He is not afraid to get physical with his opponents and will use his body to disrupt their movement and limit their scoring opportunities. He is constantly active on the defensive end, using his quick hands and instincts to make plays.
Despite Dort having his fair share of struggles this season, he remained a wall on defense, and didn’t let the offensive shortcomings completely dismantle his game. Having a player like Dort on defense makes OKC a pain to game plan for as he can impact the game both on and off the ball as a defender. With his ability to completely take top players out of the game.
Dort enters challenges with a top mindset and does not back away from any challenge on the defensive end. With a young nucleus of talent around him, Dort’s ability to be a star defender helps other players develop, which easily makes him Oklahoma City’s defensive player of the year.
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