Haitian pride on the court: Oklahoma Thunders’ Dort leads growing list of players to root for in the NBA playoffs

As the NBA postseason tips off, basketball fans across the country are tuning in to see who will rise to the occasion — and for those looking for a reason to root a little harder, several players from the Haitian diaspora are ready to make their mark.

Among them is Luguentz “Lu” Dort, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s hard-nosed defensive star known for his relentless energy and pride in his Haitian roots. Dort, the son of Haitian immigrants who settled in Montreal, carries his heritage onto the court every night — even once wearing “Respekte Nou” (“Respect Us” in Haitian Creole) on his jersey during the 2020 NBA bubble season. Now, as the Thunder fight for the top spot in the Western Conference, Dort’s lockdown defense is helping lead the charge, with his coaches and teammates praising his toughness, smarts and heart.

Whether you’re a longtime basketball fan or just tuning in for the playoffs, here’s a look at the Haitian and Haitian-descended players lighting up the NBA and G League this postseason.

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder – No. 5 Luguentz “Lu” Dort – Guard

Dort is part of the starting five for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was born in Montreal, Canada, to parents from Saint-Marc, Haiti. The Thunder currently hold the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Dort played college basketball at Arizona State University.

Dallas Mavericks – No. 8 Olivier-Maxence Prosper – Forward

Prosper plays for the No. 10 seed Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference. He was born in Montreal, Canada, and both of his parents played basketball at Concordia University. Prosper was selected 24th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings before being traded to Dallas. He played at Marquette University.

Portland Trail Blazers – No. 33 Toumani Camara – Forward

Camara plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. He was born in Brussels, Belgium, to a Belgian-Haitian mother and a Malian father. He attended Chaminade-Madonna College Prep in Florida, played two years at the University of Georgia, and later transferred to the University of Dayton, where he served as team captain. He was the 52nd pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Indiana Pacers – No. 00 Bennedict Mathurin – Guard-Forward

Mathurin plays for the Indiana Pacers. He was born in Montreal, Canada, where he grew up playing ice hockey and Canadian football before turning to basketball. Mathurin played at the University of Arizona before being selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Portland Trail Blazers – No. 4 Matisse Thybulle – Guard-Forward

Thybulle plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. His father, Greg Thybulle, is Haitian-American, and his mother was Australian. Thybulle played at the University of Washington and was selected 20th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. His mother passed away from leukemia in 2015.

G-League

Stockton Kings – No. 8 Skal Labissière – Forward-Center

Labissière plays for the Stockton Kings. Born in Haiti, he survived the 2010 earthquake before moving to the United States. He played one season at the University of Kentucky under coach John Calipari and now has the Stockton Kings one win away from advancing to the G League Finals.

Long Island Nets – No. 10 Tyson Etienne – Guard

Etienne plays for the Long Island Nets and is on a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets. In his most recent game for Brooklyn, he scored 8 points in 10 minutes. Etienne played college basketball at Wichita State University.

Raptors 905 – No. 13 Quincy Guerrier – Forward

Guerrier plays for Raptors 905. He was born in Montreal, Canada, and previously played soccer for Canada’s under-17 national team. Guerrier played basketball at Syracuse, Oregon, and Illinois before going undrafted in 2024. He currently averages 9.5 points per game.

Valley Suns – No. 51 Nate Pierre-Louis – Forward

Pierre-Louis plays for the Valley Suns. He competed in NCAA Division I basketball at Temple University before signing with the Valley Suns in February 2025.

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