From undraft to NBA championship! Thunder guard Dortmund s six-year counterattack shocked the entire league

In the cruel arena of the NBA, countless talented young people enter the draft with their dreams of basketball, but few can truly gain a foothold in the league. Those undrafters who have not even obtained the qualification for draft picks are facing a difficult situation where the future is uncertain. However, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lou Dort, using his legendary experience, told the world that the power of dreams is enough to rewrite the trajectory of fate.

From the frustrated defeat at the 2019 draft to the crowning of the glory of the 2025 NBA Finals, Dortmund completed a miraculous counterattack in six years. When the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the finals and won the team's first championship trophy, the former unknown man had grown into an indispensable defensive iron gate for the team.

"This is crazy, I recalled my first year. I lost the election 6 years ago, and June 19th was draft day. That week was probably the worst week of my life. " Dortmund said in an interview after winning the championship. Time seems to be frozen at this moment, and the painful memories of June 19, 2019 are in sharp contrast with the glorious moments of June 22, 2025. This date will always be deeply imprinted in Dortmund's memory, because it was the lowest point in his life and the starting point for him to set off again.

Dotter's road to success is not smooth. Like many undrafts, he first entered the Development League and started his career with the Oklahoma City Blues. This path is no stranger to the Thunder, and head coach Mark Dignot and some of the team's core players have had similar experiences. Just as Hartenstein proved himself through the Development League, Dortmund also silently polished his skills in this league called "NBA Reserve". The days of the

Development Alliance are full of uncertainty and challenges. Without the halo of NBA players, without a generous salary guarantee, all there is is a pure love for basketball and a firm belief in the future. Dortmund learned here how to survive in adversity, how to persevere in doubt, and more importantly, he found his position on the court - an excellent defender.

Opportunities are always left to those who are prepared. When the Thunder offered Dortmund an NBA contract, he was ready. From the bench to the starting lineup, from the marginal players to the core members, Dortmund has conquered the coaching staff and fans step by step with his performance. His defense is as indestructible as an iron barrel, and the opponent's offensive players often run into blood in front of him.

2024-25 season is a milestone for Dortmund. He was not only selected as the first team of the NBA's best defensive team, but also helped the Thunder reach the Finals. In the seven games against the Pacers, Dortmund's defensive contribution is obvious to all. He interprets what "defense wins the championship" in his own way.

When the final whistle sounded in Game 7 of the Finals, Dortmund could finally burst into tears. There are too many stories in these tears: there is the confusion and helplessness when they first entered the league, the hard years of struggling in the development league, the gritting teeth and persistence when they are questioned countless times, and the excitement and relief that dreams come true tonight.

"This is possible, you have to believe it." Dortmund said to young players who are experiencing similar difficulties after winning the championship. "If you asked me 10 to 15 years ago, do I know I would be here? I have no idea. There is no chance. I just have to believe and work hard to improve my game and truly believe in my process. If they do this, they have a chance. "

This statement is not only an encouragement to young players, but also the most realistic portrayal of Dortmund's heart. In this alliance full of variables, talent is important, but persistence and belief often determine how far a person can go. Dott proved a truth with his own experience: as long as you don’t give up, a miracle can happen.

Also with similar experiences to Dortmund, teammate Jaren Williams. The Santa Clara player also experienced a gorgeous turn from obscurity to the NBA champion. "A lot of emotions really touched me a little. " Williams said after winning the championship. "From his namelessness in college, to becoming an NBA champion 3-4 years later and playing an important role in the championship team, it is definitely a gift from God. "

Williams recalled the scene of his mother crying at the end of Game 7 of the Finals, and he couldn't help but burst into tears at that moment. These tears carry too many emotions: memories of the hard years of the past, gratitude for the support of family, and excitement about dreams coming true.

The Thunder's success is not accidental, but the result of a combination of organizational culture and personal efforts of the players. From the general manager to the coaching staff, from the core players to the bench, everyone is working for the same goal. Dortmund's success is not only an individual victory, but also an embodiment of the entire Thunder team culture.

This young Thunder team proved with practical actions what "believe in the process" means. Instead of pursuing short-term success in a hurry, they patiently cultivate every potential player and give everyone a chance to work hard. Dortmund is the best beneficiary and representative of this culture.

Dotter is no longer the unknown guy who was ignored in the draft. He is the NBA champion, a member of the best defensive team, and an indispensable core player of the Thunder. But more importantly, he has become a role model in the hearts of countless young players, proving that in this seemingly genius, ordinary people can also create their own legend through hard work and persistence.

Dote's story tells us that the definition of success is not how high the starting point is, but where the end point can reach. From undraft to championship, the six-year journey has been full of setbacks and challenges, but it is these experiences that shape today's Lu Dott. With his persistence and hard work, he wrote an inspirational legend in the NBA's highest-level basketball hall, and also lit the beacon for all young people who have their dreams of basketball.

In this fast-paced era, Dortmund's story is particularly precious. It reminds us that true success requires the accumulation of time, persistence in difficulties, and persistence in dreams. When we face setbacks and doubts, we might as well think about Dortmund's experience, and perhaps we can find the courage and strength to continue moving forward.