OKC Thunder’s Lu Dort Honored at Montreal City Hall

He was introduced by Mayor Valérie Plante, who spoke highly of his character as reported in the Montreal Gazette.

“I am so proud to have an athlete like you," Plante said. "Who makes us shine, who upholds the values of kindness and support for others.”

According to the Gazette, Dort gave a quick speech to the excited crowd and even through in a light-hearted dig towards Bennedict Mathurin , who is also from Montreal. Mathurin plays for the Indiana Pacers — the team that Oklahoma City took down in the NBA Finals. 

“This trophy doesn’t just belong to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it belongs to all of Montreal,” Dort said, before adding in a classic joke. “Except for Bennedict Mathurin.”

Dort has been one of the best development stories in NBA history. After going undrafted and claimed by the Thunder, he has turned himself into one of the best defenders in the league and a crucial part of Oklahoma City’s championship run. Beyond that, he turned the weakest part of his game — outside shooting — into an undeniable strength. Dort has turned into one of the best 3-point shooters on Oklahoma City’s roster and a top-tier long range sniper across the NBA.

In the summer of 2022, Dort inked a 5-year, $87.5 million deal with the Thunder which is unheard of for an undrafted free agent. Dort continued to impress, though, and proved to the Thunder that he was worth every single penny. His bond with the community is strong, as chants of “LU” rain down from the Thunder’s home crowd during every game. He has been a crucial leader in the locker room, too, and someone that every member of the team truly respects.

Dort’s value to the organization can’t be understated, and what he has meant to the team and the fanbase is obvious. It’s cool to know that his hometown of Montreal thinks just as highly of him.