‘Anything I get is always going to be earned’: The purpose behind OKC Thunder star Lu Dort’s relentless edge

‘Anything I get is always going to be earned’: The purpose behind OKC Thunder star Lu Dort’s relentless edge

With the regular season in the past and the playoff bracket finalized, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s pursuit of a second title in three seasons is finally underway. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will naturally draw most of the attention, the 2025 NBA champions have relied heavily on the unyielding defensive presence of their star guard, Lu Dort. Selected to the All-Defensive First Team in 2025 and fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Dort’s contributions on the court have been instrumental in the Thunder’s success. The team’s No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, achieved for the third consecutive year with a 64–18 record, owes much to their league-leading defensive rating of 106.5.

Despite having a roster stacked with defensive talent—like the towering Chet Holmgren and the rising Cason Wallace—head coach Mark Daigneault has consistently entrusted Dort with the most challenging assignments. This is a far cry from the moment he was overlooked during the 2019 NBA draft, when he didn’t hear his name called at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Yet, the journey that followed has been anything but easy. “My path wasn’t straightforward,” Dort reflected in a recent interview with CNN Sports. “There are not many players from Montreal who make it to the NBA, so just that first step was significant. The confidence the Thunder and GM Sam Presti showed in me when I was undrafted was a huge factor. It’s been a lot of obstacles, and I keep pushing through them every day.”

Dort’s story extends beyond the hardwood. Growing up in Montréal-Nord, a neighborhood in Canada, he was raised by parents who migrated from Haiti. His perspective on hard work and perseverance is deeply rooted in that background. “Witnessing the sacrifices my parents made to build a new life taught me that nothing comes for free,” he wrote in The Players’ Tribune. “Everything you achieve must be earned through effort. That’s the mantra I live by.”

His commitment to giving back has only deepened since becoming an NBA champion. Through The Maizon Dort Foundation, the player has launched initiatives to uplift underserved communities in Montreal, Oklahoma City, and central Arizona, where he played for Arizona State in 2018. “When I made it to the league, my main aim was to return to my hometown and help those who needed it most,” Dort shared with CNN. “I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I’m grateful to have the chance to make a difference.”

Dort’s foundation supports more than just sports programs. It also invests in creative expression and academic opportunities, reflecting his belief that success isn’t limited to the court. The organization’s first “Pitch Day” in Oklahoma City showcased this dual focus, with local groups presenting ideas for “Creation Stations.” The winner received up to $20,000 to fund student projects. “I’m a lifelong learner, always eager to explore new possibilities,” he explained. “Being a basketball player is important, but life has so much more. I want to open doors for young people to chase their dreams in all areas.”

For those hoping to follow in Dort’s footsteps, his journey serves as a blueprint. From being an undrafted rookie to a defensive cornerstone and community advocate, he embodies the relentless drive that defines his career. As he put it, “If I could speak to the younger version of myself, I’d tell him to keep climbing. Every block, every challenge, every setback—there’s always a way forward.”