One of the key people on that road was Luguentz Dort, basketball player whose career represents a real sports fairy tale.
Dort is known today as one of the best defense players in the NBA league, but the path to the top was not easy. Six years ago, in 2019, after one season played at the University of Arizona State, he decided to go out at the NBA Draft. He hoped to be elected in the first round, was convinced that his name would be read at least in another. But that evening – nothing.
‘I remember everything from that evening,’ Dort said in one interview. ‘It was hard. I just sat and waited. The worst thing is that when they think you will be chosen, your cameras are set in front of your face to record the reaction. They did it to me at least ten times … ‘
After a severe evening, Dort went from the G-League and fought the place in Oklahoma, where he gradually grew into a key player. It was trained by Billy Donovan and Mark Daigneault, Mentured by the legendary Chris Paul, and he especially connected with the team of Shaieem Gilgeouso-Alexander, with whom he also shares the Canadian origin.
Already in his rookie season he imposed as a defense specialist. He kicked a modest 29.7 percent for the threes, but he kept working, repaired the shot, and his defense remained the main weapon. This season, he played for 29 minutes per game, reached ten points and grabbed four jumps, but he was mostly involved in the NBA All-Defensive Team, thus becoming the history that he did, writes tportal.hr.
Untrafted Out of Arizona State in 2019 And Now NBA Champion in Year 6 … Luguentz Dort! pic.twitter.com/v0fzi3nsgz
– NBA (@nba) June 23, 2025
In the regular season, Dort started all 71 matches for Thunder, and the playoffs had key moments in defense and attack. Its strength, combat and constant energy, helped Oklahoma to reach the greatest success in the Club History – NBA title.
And all this without being chosen on the draft.
(Vijesti.ba)
