Philadelphia 76ers: Luguentz Dort is a B+ trade target

Friends, there’s a new name on the theoretical trade market that has thoroughly captured the hearts and minds of Philadelphia 76ers fans the (internet) world over: Luguentz Dort.

That’s right, despite having a massive need for an appropriately-sized small forward to sandwich between James Harden and Tobias Harris, the idea of securing the 6-foot-3, 215-pound guard out of Arizona State has become priority number one for more than a few fans, even if doing so cost Matisse Thybulle and pick 23 at a bare minimum.

Why? Theoretically, the thought process goes a little something like this; Dort is an exceptionally talented defender who is excellent on the ball, and, despite his lack of size, his exceptional length makes him a capable defender across all four perimeter positions. Factor in his willingness to fire off a half dozen 3s per game, even if he only hits them at a 33.8 percent clip, and cut to the basket as a viable lob threat, and the prospects of “upgrading” Thybulle into Dort is an exciting idea indeed.

But in practice, how much would Lu Dort make the Philadelphia 76ers better? Is his on-court production worth more than a two-time All-Defensive team member and a wing player who could theoretically contribute right away as a rookie? Let’s try to find out.

Lu Dort is a pretty good fit in the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup.

So, to the question at hand: How could Lu Dort fit into the Sixers’ rotation? Well, it’s really not that hard to imagine; just look at how Doc Rivers used Matisse Thybulle.

Cheating? Maybe a little bit, but honestly, their roles would’ve been almost identical; Dort would be the team’s top perimeter defender who begins possessions at the top of the key and looks for deflections while manned up with the ball handler. Then, regardless of how the play ends, he’d run back, he’d run back on offense, camp in a corner waiting for 3-balls, and either fire away, use motion to get himself open or cut to the basket for a high percentage shot from the dunker spot.

Though, again, Dort isn’t a particularly efficient shooter, he certainly provides more parity than Thybulle as a fifth offensive option and would force opposing teams to play five-out.

‘Fifth option? But Dort averaged 15.6 points per game in OKC; surely he can be more than that?’

Yes, Dort was used much more like a three than a five in OKC this season, slotting in behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, but it’s hard to imagine the Arizona State UDFA putting up 13.3 shots per game on a team that also features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, and Tobias Harris.

That being said, having another legitimate, two-way performer who could contribute to both ends of the court would prove extremely valuable to the Sixers in both their starting lineup and other looks too. Unlike Thybulle, who Doc Rivers iced out of a few games because of his offense, there’s almost no situation where having Dort on the court is a liability, and having that luxury could trickle down to the bench and allow actual situational players like Shake Milton and Georges Niang to play into their strengths instead of overextending themselves to overcome another player’s deficiencies.

‘Alright, so all of that sounds pretty good; what’s the problem? Why is he just a B+ addition then?’

Well, that answer to that question is simple: Dort is a shorter, but better overall version of Thybulle. That’s it, that’s the answer; if the Sixers like what they have but wish that Thybulle was more of a top-of-the-key defender who shot a half dozen 3s per game, then making the swap, even if it costs a first-round pick, could make some sense. Is that, however, how Daryl Morey wants to build his team? Does he want a long-term starting lineup featuring three guard-sized guards with a combo forward and a center in the middle? Or would he rather target a more traditional 3-and-D small forward who provides similar utility without as much hype? Keeping things on OKC, Kenrich Williams is a really good Thybulle-style player who would certainly cost less than acquiring Dort and thus, would allow the team to trade Thybulle for an upgrade at another position if moving the 2019 first-round pick is the desired move no matter what.

Alternatively, the Sixers could opt to keep the pick – despite what Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggested in his mock draft – in order to secure a promising young wing like E.J. Liddell and then trade Thybulle-plus for a player like Marcus Morris or another veteran performer who better fits the team’s plans.

Factor in the MLE and the prospects of purchasing a second-round pick in order to get in on a very deep wing draft, and settling for a Dort deal, if one is even on the table, may not be the best arrow in Morey’s quiver.

Would Lu Dort look good in a red, white, and blue jersey? You bet; his style is tailor-made for the City of Brotherly Love, and his style, energy, and expressiveness would immediately make him a fan favorite. All I’m saying is that the Philadelphia 76ers have options, and they should explore as many as possible before settling on the best one.