Once again, Lu Dort has been snubbed—this time for the NBA’s Hustle Player Award. For anyone who watches the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s clear that Dort is the heart and soul of their defense, constantly diving for loose balls, battling on the boards, and bringing a level of energy that is contagious to his teammates. He’s the type of player who gives 110% every second he’s on the floor, making the kinds of plays that don’t always show up in the box score but are crucial to his team’s success. Yet somehow, that relentless effort didn’t make the cut for one of the league’s most coveted awards.
Dort is the epitome of hustle. Whether it’s chasing down a fast break, fighting through screens to lock down his man, or simply putting his body on the line to make a play, he’s the kind of player who gives everything every possession. His defense is elite, and his motor never stops running. The energy he brings on both ends of the court is unmatched, and he has a knack for making big plays when the game is on the line. The fact that he didn’t get the recognition this season feels like a missed opportunity to honor the guy who truly embodies the spirit of hustle. But for Dort, it’s never been about the awards—it’s about doing whatever it takes to help his team win.
The Hustle Player Award is supposed to celebrate the guys who do the dirty work—the ones who sacrifice their bodies, fight for every possession, and set the tone for their team. If that’s the criteria, then Dort should have been a frontrunner. Night after night, he guards the opposing team’s best player, whether it’s a shifty point guard, a crafty wing, or a bruising forward. He doesn’t back down from any challenge, and his physicality disrupts even the most polished scorers in the league.
Take, for example, his performances against some of the NBA’s biggest stars. Dort has made life miserable for the likes of Luka Dončić, Devin Booker, and Stephen Curry. He doesn’t just defend—he harasses, he pressures, he frustrates. His ability to stay in front of quicker guards while also holding his ground against stronger players is a rare skill. And when he’s not locking down his man, he’s flying around the court, deflecting passes, diving for loose balls, and doing all the little things that don’t always get noticed.
But hustle isn’t just about defense. Dort has also improved his offensive game, becoming a more reliable scorer while still maintaining his trademark intensity. He’s never going to be the primary option on offense, but he’s developed into a solid three-point shooter and a capable slasher who can finish through contact. Even when his shot isn’t falling, he finds ways to contribute—whether it’s cutting to the basket, setting hard screens, or crashing the offensive glass. That’s the mark of a true hustle player: someone who impacts the game in multiple ways, even when the stats don’t reflect it.
So why was he overlooked for the award? Part of it might be the nature of the voting process. The Hustle Player Award is often given to players who have a more visible role on their teams—maybe someone who racks up steals, takes charges, or gets a lot of deflections. But Dort’s impact goes beyond just counting stats. His presence alone changes the way opponents play. Teams have to account for him at all times, adjusting their offensive schemes just to deal with his relentless pressure. That kind of influence doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s invaluable to his team’s success.
Another factor could be the Thunder’s position in the league. Oklahoma City has been in a rebuilding phase, and while they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, they’re not yet a consistent playoff contender. Sometimes, awards tend to favor players on winning teams, even if the criteria shouldn’t necessarily factor that in. But hustle is hustle, regardless of wins and losses. A player like Dort brings the same energy whether his team is up by 20 or down by 20. That’s the sign of a true competitor—someone who plays for the love of the game, not just the accolades.
Perhaps the biggest reason Dort was snubbed is simply that his style of play isn’t always flashy. He doesn’t make the highlight-reel blocks or the behind-the-back passes that go viral on social media. His game is built on grit, toughness, and nonstop effort—qualities that don’t always get the recognition they deserve in today’s NBA, where scoring and flashy plays often dominate the conversation. But anyone who truly understands basketball knows that players like Dort are the foundation of great teams.
This isn’t the first time Dort has been overlooked. Despite being one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, he’s never made an All-Defensive Team. He’s never been in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year, even though he routinely shuts down elite scorers. It’s a recurring theme for players who specialize in defense and hustle—unless they’re also putting up big offensive numbers, they tend to fly under the radar. But that doesn’t make their contributions any less important.
The good news is that Dort doesn’t seem to care much about individual awards. His focus has always been on winning and doing whatever it takes to help his team. That selfless mentality is part of what makes him so beloved by Thunder fans and respected by his peers. He’s the kind of player every coach wants on their team—someone who never takes a possession off, who leads by example, and who sets the standard for effort every single night.
And while the Hustle Player Award would have been a nice acknowledgment of his relentless style, Dort’s value goes far beyond trophies. He’s a culture-setter for the Thunder, a player who embodies the identity they’re trying to build. As Oklahoma City continues to grow and develop into a contender, Dort’s leadership and toughness will be a big part of that journey. Awards come and go, but the respect he’s earned from teammates, coaches, and opponents will last much longer.
In the end, maybe the snub will only fuel him more. Dort has always played with a chip on his shoulder, proving doubters wrong at every step of his career. From going undrafted to becoming a key piece for the Thunder, he’s never needed validation from awards to know his worth. He’ll keep doing what he’s always done—playing harder than anyone else on the floor, making life difficult for opponents, and helping his team in any way he can.
The Hustle Player Award might not have gone his way this time, but Lu Dort’s heart, grit, and determination will always be the backbone of this team—and that’s the kind of player who earns true respect, even if the voters don’t see it right away.
