Lu Dort aims to break the trend of power forwards and centers dominating the Defensive Player of the Year award by highlighting the importance of perimeter defense. Despite the historic bias towards big men, Dort believes that guarding the perimeter is just as crucial, especially in today's NBA where many top scorers operate from the outside. He emphasizes the significance of defending against various actions in the perimeter, such as screens and pin-downs, which can be challenging to guard.
Dort's defensive prowess has been instrumental in the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boasted one of the league's best defenses during the season. While Dort is likely to earn an All-Defense Team honor, he strives to also be recognized with the Defensive Player of the Year award. He acknowledges the complexities of defense, noting that while perimeter defenders may not receive the same recognition as offensive stars, their contributions are vital to a team's success. Despite the challenges faced by perimeter defenders in winning such accolades, Dort advocates for a shift in perception towards recognizing their defensive impact on the game.