The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to be without Jalen Williams for a couple of weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury - a tough blow for a team that's been leaning heavily on his downhill scoring and playmaking.
Williams hasn’t quite been himself from deep this season - his 3-point volume and efficiency have dipped, likely a lingering effect from offseason wrist surgery - but he’s still been a major force when attacking the basket. Through 24 games, he’s averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, and his ability to create off the dribble has been a key part of OKC’s offensive rhythm.
Now, with Williams sidelined, the Thunder will have to pivot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the engine, no doubt, but the absence of their second option means OKC will lean even more into their team-first, ball-sharing identity. And that opens the door for some of the supporting cast to step up - none more than Lu Dort.
Lu Dort’s Opportunity - and Challenge
Let’s be clear: Dort is still bringing it on the defensive end. That’s never been in question. He continues to take on the toughest perimeter assignments night in and night out, and he does it with the same tenacity that made him a household name in Oklahoma City.
But offensively? That’s where things have slipped.
Through 34 games, Dort is averaging just 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, while shooting 34.4% from three. That’s a noticeable drop-off from last season, when he posted career-best efficiency numbers - 43.5% from the field and 41.2% from deep - and looked like a reliable two-way contributor.
Now, with Williams out, Dort has a chance to shift the narrative.
He’s going to get more touches, more looks, more chances to show he can still be a threat on both ends. And with the Thunder facing some tough decisions this offseason, the timing couldn’t be more important.
The Bigger Picture: Roster Decisions Looming
This summer, both Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein have club options - Dort’s at $18 million, Hartenstein’s at $28 million. If the Thunder want to avoid crossing into the second-apron tax territory, they’ll likely have to move on from one of them.
As things stand, Dort looks like the more expendable piece. He’s started every game when healthy, but with rookie Cason Wallace emerging as a high-level defender in his own right, the Thunder have a built-in replacement if they decide to go in a different direction.
That’s why this stretch without Jalen Williams matters so much for Dort. If he wants to make the Thunder think twice, he needs to prove he can still contribute offensively - and not just in flashes.
A Strong Start - But Can He Sustain It?
Dort’s already shown a glimpse of what he’s capable of in Williams’ absence. In the one game without him - a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers - Dort stepped up with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, shooting a scorching 5-of-6 from beyond the arc.
That’s the version of Dort the Thunder need right now. Confident, aggressive, and efficient.
If he can string together a few more performances like that, not only does he help keep the Thunder afloat while Williams heals, but he also strengthens his case for long-term value on this roster.
This isn’t just a two-week stretch for Dort - it’s a proving ground. And the opportunity is right in front of him.