The Oklahoma City Thunder currently stand as arguably the best team in the NBA. They are 44-10 and are eight games ahead of the No. 2 seed Denver Nuggets in the West. Additionally, they are led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who many believe will win his first MVP award this season. However, Gilgeous-Alexander may not be the only player on the Thunder roster in line for an award this season. Recently, Thunder forward Luguentz Dort spoke about his goals the rest of the way, including winning a major accolade.
In an interview with Chris Mannix of SI.com, Dort revealed that he “deserves” to take home to Defensive Player of the Year award this season.
“Honestly, the biggest goal is to go out there and perform every night for my teammates. But it will always be nice to get rewarded for the hard work that I do on the court, which would probably be Defensive Player of the Year or first team. If you ask me if I deserve it, I would say yes, just because of what I bring every night, all the matchups that I got to face every night. But all that would be a goal of mine.”
Following the news that San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season, the race for Defensive Player of the Year is now wide open. Currently, Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. (-125) is the betting favorite to win the award. However, Dort (+2000) has the fourth-best odds.
Key Oklahoma City Thunder Starter Luguentz Dort Says He ‘Deserves’ to Win This Award
Luguentz Dort Is Not the Only Player Vying for the Award
In a competitive league, it is no surprise that other players besides Dort have their eyes on the Defensive Player of the Year award. Recently, Detroit Pistons sophomore Ausar Thompson said he wants to win the award as well. Additionally, he said he believes he is “the best perimeter defender in the league.”
“I think I’m the best perimeter defender in the league. That’s what I believe. I don’t think I’m a near and finished product, though. I think I can get over screens better. I think I can be locked in at all times better. I want to be NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But it’s so hard with Wemby because he is going to get four blocks every game. It’s something that I think is possible though,” Thompson said.
Thompson has a longer shot at winning the award than Dort does. Regardless, this will be an award race to keep in mind the rest of the way.
Luguentz Dort Is Crucial to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Defense
The Thunder currently rank as the best defensive team in the NBA. Furthermore, their 104.9 points per game allowed is the lowest in the league. Dort plays an essential role in the team’s league-leading defense. As it stands, the Thunder are considered the favorite to make it to the NBA Finals. if they do so, it will be their first appearance since 2012.
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