ESPN's Kendrick Perkins Ranks Lu Dort Fifth-Best NBA Defender

Lu Dort has established himself as a crucial defensive and offensive player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing significantly to their historic 2024-25 NBA championship season. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins named Dort as the fifth-best defensive player in the league, praising his physicality and perimeter defense, which were key factors in the Thunder's success. Perkins' top five defensive players also included Thunder teammate Alex Caruso at number one, along with Evan Mobley, Amen Thompson, and Victor Wembanyama. Perkins' rankings sparked debate among fans and analysts, particularly his high placement of Amen Thompson above Wembanyama, citing the latter's lack of recent postseason exposure. The Thunder's dominant defense, led by Dort and Caruso, was instrumental in their record-setting season and playoff victory, showcasing the importance of elite defense in the modern NBA. Dort's rise from an undrafted rookie to a defensive stalwart reflects both his resilience and the growing impact of Canadian players in the league.