Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: “It’s Because I’m Not A Villain”: OKC Star Lu Dort Attributes Lack Of Popularity To His Refusal To Trash-Talk
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Oklahoma City Thunder News & Analysis > “It’s Because I’m Not A Villain”: OKC Star Lu Dort Attributes Lack Of Popularity To His Refusal To Trash-Talk

“It’s Because I’m Not A Villain”: OKC Star Lu Dort Attributes Lack Of Popularity To His Refusal To Trash-Talk

Lu Dort highlighted that he wasn't high up on the NBA's list of popular players because of his stoic demeanor and refusal to trash-talk and act like a villain.

Siddhant Gupta
May 12, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Lu Dort recently shared why he wasn’t among the more popular players in the league. While speaking in an interview with “The Athletic“, Dort attributed his lack of popularity to the fact that he actively chooses not to talk trash and engage in the antics that many defensive players in the league do.

“I think it’s because I’m not a villain,” said Dort. “I’m not a guy that goes out there trash-talking and being loud. I do my job and move on. Even though I know they’re mad and having a bad game, I’m not gonna let them know that.”

The forward’s presence on the floor is an intimidating one. Although he is relatively undersized in his position, Dort is a very strongly built individual. The Thunder forward often leverages this when it comes to holding his ground against bigger and tougher players.

However, in the semifinals series against the Denver Nuggets, Dort has drawn the task of guarding Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray. This matchup has been an entertaining one to watch as the Nuggets guard has had to fight for every point he has scored.

The 26-year-old is well aware of the fact that Denver wants him away from their star as much as possible. He addressed this during the interview as well.

“It’s been like that all year; it’s not just Denver. I know I’m a good defender and disturb a lot of (opposing teams’) main guys. Whenever I’m off their main guy’s body, it’s good for them.”

Lu Dort is one of the most important players on the Thunder’s roster. Although he only averages 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, Dort is a menace on the defensive side of the ball. 

Dort’s presence has been felt beyond the realm of guarding Murray. His impact on defense has been essential for the Thunder as they seek to overcome the Nuggets in this series. A key aspect of the defensive effort shown by both teams in this series has been physicality, something that has been a heavily discussed topic in the playoffs as a whole.

The physical nature of each game has been called out on several occasions this year. Nuggets head coach David Adelman, along with Aaron Gordon, have called out the bias on the part of the officials with how they’ve blown the whistle and awarded fouls.

However, by simply looking at the stats, it is evident that the games aren’t necessarily as biased as they may look. More often than not, the Nuggets end up shooting more free throws, albeit Nuggets star Nikola Jokic may not be receiving the same whistle Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does. However, this is also mere speculation on the part of players and media. 

Regardless, with a 92-87 win in Game 4, the Thunder have drawn the series level at 2-2 before heading back home. With Game 5 emerging as a crucial one for breaking the deadlock, OKC will look to win back-to-back games and take control of the series on Tuesday at 9:30 pm ET.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Oklahoma City Thunder Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
BySiddhant Gupta
Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
Previous Article Uncertainty Looms For Donovan Mitchell As Cavaliers HC Kenny Atkinson Gives Injury Update
Next Article Myles Turner Channels Inner Kobe Bryant; Drops Clear Message On Pacers’ Potential ECF Run
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

NBA News & Analysis

Ranking NBA Players With 20+ Seasons Played: Is Anyone Near LeBron James?

October 5, 2025
NBA News & Analysis

NBA Players Who Came Back Strong After An Achilles Injury

October 3, 2025
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
NBA News & Analysis

2025-26 NBA Stats Leaders Predictions: Who Will Lead In PPG, RPG, APG?

October 3, 2025
Chris Paul looks on as Team CP3 plays a game against Nightrydas at Nike EYBL at the Memphis Sports & Events Center.
Los Angeles Clippers News & Analysis

Chris Paul Hilariously Calls Out Clippers Over Training Camp Decision: “That’s Some Bulls***”

October 5, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?