OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort didn’t really think he’d have multiple championship runs when he left Arizona State after a single season.
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Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during team introductions before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dort arrived in Tempe in 2018, known for his physical defense and attacking style. He helped lead ASU in scoring and kept the program competitive, despite questions about his shooting and overall offensive game lingering.
When the 2019 NBA Draft came and went without his name being called, doubt settled in.
“Nah, honestly nah,” Dort said in a presser, according to the Thunder’s media team. “ASU was, you know, especially coming out of ASU and the draft and all that was tough, tough times for me. So I really didn’t know what to expect.”
Mar 22, 2019; Tulsa, OK, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) dribbles around Buffalo Bulls guard Dontay Caruthers (22) during the first half in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. The Buffalo Bulls won 91-74. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Opportunity came when the Oklahoma City Thunder signed Dort to a two-way contract, and from there, a steady climb defined by defensive toughness and persistence followed. Dort eventually carved out a role as one of the league’s most solid offensive pieces, turning what was once a weakness into a strength.
Over time, that strength has helped fuel the Thunder to various playoff runs, including winning it all in the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers last season. This season, Oklahoma City is looking for back-to-back championships.
Mar 22, 2019; Tulsa, OK, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) against the Buffalo Bulls in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
“The only thing I told myself was just, you know, keep my head down and keep working and see where you end up,” he said. “And that was my mindset from the beginning. And I’m grateful to be in this position today.”
Dort’s journey in the Valley may not have pushed him to where he wanted to be immediately, but it was his work ethic that the Thunder saw when they decided to take a chance on him. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable development can be.
I know I bring it up a lot but the Lu Dort moonball pic.twitter.com/nM3edwDh7f https://t.co/pgCJiclXrD
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) April 17, 2026
At Arizona State, he started the groundwork for the player he could become. In Oklahoma City, he’s now helping lead one of the league’s rising teams into another playoff run. That transition showcases the value of adaptability in a league that doesn’t wait for anyone.
As Dort and the Thunder face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the postseason, his presence is a reminder of Valley talent that fought simply to stay in the league and now plays in some of the sport’s biggest moments.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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