NBA: Ranking the top 5 undrafted players in the league

Top 5 undrafted players in the NBA, No. 5 – Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Luguentz Dort is not the prototypical player in the NBA. Not a lot of offense, but his defense is off the charts. Lu Dort is on the shortlist of great on-ball defenders in the NBA. You’ve got Kawhi, Pat Beverley, Jrue Holiday, and I think Lu Dort is next on the list.

He took James Harden to task in the bubble. Now, I’m not going to say he “locked up” James Harden, but I don’t think that series goes to seven games without Dort’s impact on defense. Dort’s offense is improving as well. He’s just under 12 points per game, which is up from last year. His field goal percentage is up as well. When you mention “3-and-D” players, that is how I see Dort’s career unfolding.

His defense is always going to be his best asset, but his shot is coming along, and I think it’s going to only get better. His ability to make free throws at a decent clip and his mechanics on his shot makes me think he will develop into a good 3-point shooter. Similar to a guy like Raja Bell, on those critically acclaimed Phoenix Suns teams from the early 2000s. Bell would guard the best guy, sort of undersized, also undrafted, and would be automatic from the corner.

Dort is going to be an NBA journeyman in my opinion just because every team will want a player to guard the likes of Tatum or Harden, especially come playoff time. Dort won’t get a ton of individual accolades but he will be impactful on a lot of teams.