Lu Dort reveals growing off-court bond with Ousmane Dieng

Leading up to the season, many understood how much the Oklahoma City Thunder pride team unity on and off the court. But, with the way things have gone so far leading up to the regular season opener, it is evident that this year will deliver a stronger sense of the chemistry between players.

Training camp and preseason practices have served the Thunder well. Already facing a jam-packed schedule and tons of traveling, the biggest thing that has helped the early nuisances has been the growing bond and communication between the older and younger players.

Helping facilitate a strong Year 3

Two players who have soaked in the spotlight (albeit for considerably different reasons) are Lu Dort and Ousmane Dieng.

Dort is entering his sixth NBA season and is well-established as a premier two-way defender. His breakout 3-point shooting a season ago and his still-growing defensive ability have made the 25-year-old one of the league’s most coveted assets.

Dieng, meanwhile, has seen a rocky first couple of seasons. Producing underwhelming results as a rookie and sophomore, the 21-year-old entered this season with a determined approach and stated what he has worked on to ensure his success in 2024.

Ous also has a friend rooting for his success. He’s not just rooting but going out of his way to make sure the Frenchman meets his goal this year. Already known for having a powerful voice and installing himself as the heart-and-soul leader on the court, Lu is here to make sure the young guys are set up for success.

“The same way some of the older guys [did] when I was young helped me having my stuff off the court,” Dort says of mentoring Dieng. “Being in control of that, I am just trying to help him and tell him some of the stuff that helps me. Me and Ous are really close. We speak French and stuff like that. Whatever I can do to help him, I’ll do it.”

Ousmane mentioned earlier that No. 5 helped him find a chef so that he could take his diet and training more seriously this season. The camaraderie between one of the team’s stars and a hopeful star is, in a nutshell, one of the main reasons why the Thunder are so good at developing their youth.

OKC will depend on unity between players this season, especially to help ward off some of the heavy pressure and expectations. But the attitude the team has displayed so far is an encouraging sign.

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