Thunder Guard Lu Dort Has Turned Season Around

To start the 2022-23 campaign, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort had a historically inefficient start.

The expectation was that Dort would take another step forward in his development this season, but that wasn’t the case early on. In what was his first year of the brand new deal he signed during the offseason, things didn’t look good initially.

Through the first 11 games of the year, the 23-year-old was having the least efficient season of his career. Both from beyond the arc and near the rim, Dort was uncharacteristically bad.

• 31.4 MIN
• 12.6 PTS
• 4.2 REB
• 2.6 AST
• 20.6% 3PT
• 35.7% FG
• 74.3% FT

In the NBA, 11 games isn’t enough of a sample size to panic. There was reason for optimism as it relates to Dort getting back on track. Early in November, things really started to turn around for the young guard.

In fact, it’s been a tale of two halves for Dort through his first 23 games of the season. Not only has he posted better numbers of late, but his efficiency has been incredibly impressive.

Over his past 12 games, Dort has been one of the most efficient players on the Thunder offensively, especially from 3-point range.

• 29.8 MIN
• 15.8 PTS
• 4.6 REB
• 2.1 AST
• 45.8% 3PT
• 47.1% FG
• 78.6% FT

Although he’s played fewer minutes over this span, nearly all of his numbers are up and the efficiency in which he scores is through the roof.

It’s important to keep expectations realistic for Dort moving forward. Just like the slow start wasn’t going to continue forever, him shooting over 45% from deep likely won’t either.

When taking these two sample sets of data, it’s more likely Dort finishes the season somewhere in the middle. His stats on the season as a whole are much more in line with expectations.

• 30.6 MIN
• 14.3 PTS
• 4.4 REB
• 2.3 AST
• 32.8% 3PT
• 41.4% FG
• 76.6% FT

While his scoring numbers are down from last season, nearly every other statistical category is close to what it was last season. Dort’s numbers through 23 games will likely continue to look similar between now and the end of the season, although there should be an expectation that there will be more ups and downs.

As some of the younger players on the roster begin to rise, Dort’s shot attempts could continue to be lower than last season, so the lower scoring output isn’t necessarily indicative that he has digressed as a player.

If Dort can give Oklahoma City close to 15 points each night while shooting better than 35% from beyond the arc, he’ll be well worth his new contract. Between that level of offense and the tremendous defensive impact he makes on the perimeter, the average annual salary of around $16.5 million is worth the investment.