Luguentz Dort

If the Charlotte Hornets were to target something aside from a starting center, a defensive stalwart who can play and guard multiple positions should be their next priority. Placing a true stopper alongside LaMelo Ball in the backcourt would drastically improve their versatility and playoff hopes.

Luguentz Dort might just be the perfect guard to pair with LaMelo. With the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dort has proven to be one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the entire league. Aside from his penchant for clamping down on opposing perimeter players, he also displayed an encouraging development track on offense as well.

Luguentz Dort went from a 3-and-D wing with below-average efficiency to a multifaceted complementary offensive weapon. He’s been relied on to shoulder a significant portion of the playmaking and shot creation responsibilities within OKC’s talent-deficient roster and has proven himself more than capable. He’s showed off an improving off-the-dribble game, pick-and-roll ballhandling, and a little creativity on the perimeter as well.

His efficiency leaves a lot to be desired, but his shooting marks should improve on a team with a more balanced composition and better offensive weapons around him. Dort should benefit from receiving passes from playmaking savant, LaMelo Ball, and can serve as a tertiary creator when needed.

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All the while, he’ll shut down the opponents’ most dangerous perimeter player and improve the Hornets’ overall efficiency. OKC may view Luguentz Dort as valuable, but they’ve shown a knack for collecting as many draft picks as possible. Couple that with the fact that Dort will need a new contract soon, and he might be available for the 13th selection in the 2022 NBA Draft along with a little additional compensation.