Atlanta Hawks wing Lu Dort has made his international ambitions clear, stating that winning a gold medal for Canada would mean more to him than another NBA championship. The comment came during a recent podcast appearance as the Hawks prepare for their new season, looking to improve on a recent form of three wins and two losses.
Lu Dort appeared on the "How Hungry Are You?" podcast with former NBA player Serge Ibaka. He was asked to choose between an NBA title with the Atlanta Hawks and an Olympic gold medal for Canada. Dort didn't hesitate. "I'd say winning a gold medal because Canada gave my family a great opportunity to have a better life," he said. This perspective comes from a player who already knows what it's like to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy. He was a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder when they beat the Indiana Pacers in seven games to claim the 2025 NBA championship.
For Hawks fans, it's a candid answer that might not be the one they wanted to hear. The team is gearing up for a critical season in a packed Eastern Conference. Dort's effort on the court has never been in question, regardless of the jersey he wears. His defensive intensity and physical play are assets Atlanta is counting on. But his heart-first commitment to Canadian basketball success is now part of the public record.
The Hawks are coming off a preseason loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, a game where Dort and other key players were sidelined. Their official recent results show a team finding its rhythm. They suffered a heavy 143-117 defeat to the Miami Heat on April 12, 2026. Just before that, they secured a solid 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 10. Their last five games show a pattern of LWLWW, indicating some inconsistency they'll need to address.
Atlanta's front office had a quieter offseason than some Eastern Conference rivals. They didn't chase the biggest stars. Instead, they focused on shoring up their wing depth, a clear area of need. The acquisition of Lu Dort from Oklahoma City was a central part of that plan. They also brought in former Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins. In the draft, they used the eighth overall pick to select Kingston Flemings, adding young talent to the roster.
The big question is whether these moves provide enough firepower. Can they help the Hawks build on last season and make a deeper playoff run? The Eastern Conference is more competitive than ever. Every game, every possession will count from opening night.
The Hawks officially open their 2026-27 NBA season on October 21 against the Orlando Magic. All eyes will be on how the new pieces fit. Lu Dort will be a major part of the defensive scheme, tasked with guarding the opponent's best perimeter player night after night. His pairing with Trae Young in the backcourt creates an interesting balance of offensive flair and defensive grit.
Fans can track the team's progress through the early part of the schedule on our schedule page. The integration of Dort, Wiggins, and rookie Kingston Flemings will be a key storyline to follow. Will Dort's unwavering commitment to his national team translate into relentless play for Atlanta? History suggests it will. His professional approach means he gives full effort wherever he plays.
For now, the Hawks have a player who is grateful for his journey and open about his ultimate basketball dream. It's a gold medal, not a ring. That honesty shapes the narrative around a team trying to carve its own path in the East. Their recent 126-110 win over the Golden State Warriors and a narrow 130-129 victory against the Detroit Pistons show they can score with anyone. But stopping teams, as the 143-117 loss to Miami showed, remains the challenge. Dort's role in solving that challenge is now even more defined.
