The 2025 NBA Finals are set to become a landmark event not just for basketball, but for the Haitian diaspora and Canadian basketball as well. Two players of Haitian descent—Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers—will face off in a historic showdown, shining a spotlight on their roots and the growing global influence of Haitian-Canadian athletes.
Luguentz Dort: From Montreal to NBA Defensive Star
Luguentz Dort was born in Montreal, Quebec, to Haitian parents who emigrated from Saint-Marc, Haiti, in their early twenties. Raised speaking Haitian Creole, Dort’s upbringing in Montréal-Nord was shaped by a strong family connection to Haitian culture and values. Initially a soccer goalkeeper, Dort transitioned to basketball as a youth, ultimately using the sport as a positive outlet and a path away from the challenges of his neighborhood.
Dort’s basketball journey took him through top Canadian and U.S. prep programs before starring at Arizona State University. Despite going undrafted in 2019, Dort quickly became known for his elite defense and relentless effort, earning a key role with the Thunder and signing a five-year, $87.5 million contract extension in 2022. He is also a committed member of the Canadian national team, set to represent Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bennedict Mathurin: Proud Haitian-Canadian Giving Back
Bennedict Mathurin, born in Montreal to Haitian parents, is also a proud representative of Haiti’s diaspora. Mathurin speaks four languages, including Haitian Creole, and frequently celebrates his heritage. Beyond his rising NBA stardom with the Pacers, Mathurin is deeply committed to giving back to Haitian youth. In partnership with Adidas and the Barbancourt Foundation, he has organized events in Haiti, providing gear, basketball clinics, and inspiration to hundreds of children. Mathurin’s efforts, especially on significant Haitian holidays like Dessalines Day, underscore his dedication to elevating Haitians across the diaspora and supporting his ancestral homeland.
“For me, it’s to give back to the less fortunate. I’m from Haiti so giving back to my community is always a great thing. Also (for them) to know that I’m Haitian and I made it, then some kids from Haiti can make it too.” — Bennedict Mathurin
A Historic NBA Finals Matchup
The 2025 NBA Finals will feature four Canadian players—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort (Thunder), Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)—tying a national record for Canadian representation in the Finals. This reflects the growing strength of Canadian basketball and the impact of players with Haitian heritage on the global stage. The Thunder and Pacers will tip off Game 1 on June 5, 2025, with Dort and Mathurin at the center of a narrative that resonates deeply with Haitian and Canadian communities alike.
Significance for Haiti and the Diaspora
The presence of Dort and Mathurin in the NBA Finals is a source of pride and inspiration for Haitians worldwide. Their journeys exemplify resilience, community commitment, and the power of sports to bridge cultures and uplift future generations. Both players have expressed a desire to use their platforms to inspire youth in Haiti and across the diaspora, demonstrating that success at the highest levels of sport is possible regardless of origin.
Summary Table: Dort vs. Mathurin
| Player | Team | Haitian Heritage | Notable Achievements | Community Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luguentz Dort | Oklahoma City Thunder | Parents from Haiti (Saint-Marc) | Elite NBA defender, Canadian Olympian | Role model for Haitian youth |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Indiana Pacers | Parents from Haiti | Rising NBA star, major youth outreach in Haiti | Philanthropy, youth clinics |
The 2025 NBA Finals will not only decide a champion but also celebrate the enduring legacy and bright future of Haitian talent in global basketball.