Thunder’s Lu Dort Emerges as Leading Candidate for DPOY

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — As the NBA approaches the final stretch of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit at an impressive 44-10 record, largely thanks to their superior defense, which boasts a league-best rating of 104.5. This defensive prowess has led to increased recognition for its players, particularly Luguentz Dort, who has voiced his belief that he deserves to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

In a recent interview, Dort emphasized the importance of individual recognition alongside the team’s success. “Honestly, the biggest goal is to go out there and perform every night for my teammates,” Dort said. “But it would always be nice to get rewarded for the hard work I put in on the court, whether that’s Defensive Player of the Year or making First Team All-Defense.”

Currently, Dort is averaging 10.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His contributions on defense have been pivotal in maintaining the Thunder’s elite status. “If you ask me if I deserve it, I would say yes, just because of what I bring every night and the challenging matchups I face,” Dort explained.

With the recent injury of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, the race for the Defensive Player of the Year has opened. Wembanyama, initially a favorite, will not compete for the award due to a shoulder injury. This has shifted the spotlight onto players such as Dort, who now finds himself in contention along with his teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

In statistical comparisons, Dort’s defensive efforts have been noteworthy. He allows opposing players to shoot 43.8% when he is the primary defender, a figure that ranks him favorably among NBA defenders. His teammate Gilgeous-Alexander leads this metric at 42.8% as a primary defender.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has also praised Dort’s defensive skills, calling him one of the most intimidating perimeter defenders in the league. “Luguentz’s ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt offenses is crucial to our success on both ends of the court,” Daigneault said.

Several other players are also vying for the DPOY award, including Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. As the regular season nears its conclusion, Dort’s continued performance will be critical in solidifying his candidacy.

The 2025 DPOY winner will be determined by votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters and typically announced at the conclusion of the regular season. Dort aspires to make history as the first Thunder player to receive the DPOY award, excluding Gary Payton, who won while with the Seattle SuperSonics.