Lu Dort to Improve Efficiency With Chet Holmgren Healthy

The addition of Chet Holmgren to the lineup will benefit Lu Dort and his efficiency.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is a team consistently brought up in trade talks, but they should wait before making any further roster moves. Of course, there will be small ones to trim the roster to 15 players on standard contracts, but the key rotations players shouldn't be touched for at least a season.

The current rendition of the roster deserves a fair shot at a full season together. A starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren has the potential to be a perfect fit. 

The offense has a very obvious identity of being versatile, bringing height and solid defense. Dort is one of the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA and Holmgren's ability to cover plenty of ground while protecting the rim will make this starting lineup incredibly difficult to score on.

However, one question may come on the offensive side of the ball. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 30 points per game on over 50 percent efficiency from the field. Giddey has shown rapid improvements and is still figuring out how to use his size and skill to get easy baskets. Williams is a tough one-on-one matchup while playing into the flow of the offense. Holmgren can complement all the other three players offensively, bringing even more versatility.

The main question mark is Dort's ability to fit into the offense. This can be answered with the addition of Holmgren. With plenty of actions between Holmgren and the rest of the wing players will be a focal point for opposing defenses. It'll be hard to cover and will require attention. This will leave Dort open in either the corner for a 3-pointer, on the cut or in a position to penetrate the defense. 

The quality of shots Dort will be able to take with the addition of Holmgren will give him the opportunity to play much more efficiently on offense.

If Dort is able to take high-quality shots while providing his elite defense, he could be the perfect fifth starter for this starting lineup, and, while it might take some time to mesh and come together, the long-term pairing and value of the contract he signed could be crucial by the time the Thunder is in a seven-game playoff series.

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