Luguentz Dort’s parents gave him a strong sense of identity and a profound appreciation for his heritage, which he still proudly possesses today.
Canadian professional basketball player Luguentz Dort was born on April 19, 1999.
He plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Before his glorious NBA career, he played college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Dort received the nickname “the Dorture Chamber” because of his defensive skills and ability to lock down opponents.
While Luguentz Dort Was Born To Working-Class Parents, He Can Now Give Lavish Gifts To Them!
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s standout, Luguentz Dort, was born to Haitian immigrant parents, Lufrantz and Erline Dort.
They met in their hometown of Saint-Marc, Haiti, and moved to Canada when they were around 21 years old. They settled in Montreal, Quebec, where Luguentz was born and raised.
While his father was a cab driver and owner, his mother made garments for a manufacturing company.
Although Lufrantz and Erline experienced hurdles as immigrants, such as language barriers and financial difficulties, their persistent determination and diligence helped them adapt and persevere in a foreign country.
Haitian culture is an amalgamation of European, African, and Indigenous roots.
The culture possesses a strong sense of community, exuberant music, and an intrinsic link to the spiritual realm.
Hence, his parents gave him a strong sense of identity and a profound appreciation for his heritage, which he still proudly possesses today.
“I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about Haitian history. Haiti was the first Black [republic]. I just went on YouTube and watched a bunch of stuff. If you look back, there were a lot of Haitians that came to New Orleans. They wanted their independence. I’m just intrigued by history, especially from my culture.”
“Whenever Haiti beat the French, some of them came to America and landed in New Orleans. They brought so many things with them. There is a small Haitian culture where they have a Mardi Gras parade and other stuff going on that comes from Haiti. There are a lot of things in French Creole [culture] here as well. I thought about it and it’s crazy. It’s history.”
Luguentz Dort
Moreover, Dort spoke Haitian Creole with his family growing up.
Despite the difficulties of adjusting to an unfamiliar country, Lufrantz and Erline remained devoted to their children’s education and welfare, creating an atmosphere in which their dreams could become reality.
Growing up in Montréal-Nord, he played football and was a goalkeeper. However, his brother persuaded him to switch to basketball.
Dort played street basketball in Saint Laurent Park, close to his Montreal home. While his friends joined street gangs and got distracted, he kept his passion for the sport alive.
He could easily distinguish between good and wrong and invested his blood, sweat, and tears in bigger endeavors in life. Therefore, this is how beautifully his parents raised him.
Even though Dort’s basketball career has brought him halfway across North America and beyond, his parents remain a crucial part of his support system.
“I’m a big family guy, so my family would be first, along with my friends. Also, just speaking French. It’s so different to not speak French every day. Now that I’m in the U.S., I barely meet anyone who speaks French. When people realize that I speak another language, they’re so surprised. I miss the food, too. Every time I go home, I need my poutine.”
Luguentz Dort
He constantly acknowledges them for keeping him grounded and reminding him of his roots.
Their impact is visible in his humility and dedication to giving back to the community in Montreal and Haiti.
In 2022, Dort launched a new non-profit organization, the Maizon Dort Foundation, to support underserved youth.
The foundation aims to promote health and well-being among young people associated with the organization.
“With the platform I have now, I want to do as much as I can to give back and make sure kids and families from underserved communities are afforded equal opportunities and support to go after their dreams.”
“Not only did basketball and soccer allow me to be healthy and active as a child. These team sports also kept me in a safe environment and on the right path to success. I learned principles such as hard work and teamwork that carry over to many aspects of my life today.”
Luguentz Dort
Moreover, it provides opportunities for children to participate in team sports, such as basketball and soccer.
After his NBA career began, he gifted his mother a house and a car. Dort also shared a photo of his mother with her shiny new Audi.
Hence, this grandeur gesture demonstrates his deep love, respect, and gratitude towards his parents.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Luguentz Dort signed a three-year commitment to play for the Canadian senior men’s national team in 2022. He was named to Canada’s roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
- On December 6, 2019, he made his NBA debut, playing seven minutes and snagging one rebound in an overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Dort has an estimated net worth of $7 million with a $16,500,000 base salary for the 2024/25 season.
