Kris Dunn is a point guard from Providence College. Dunn is 6’4 and has a wingspan of 6’9. For the year, he averaged, 33.8 minutes per game, 16.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 6.2 assists per game, 2.9 steals per game, while shooting 44.8% from the field, and 37.2% from three.
Pros:
- Excellent size and length for the NBA Point Guard position
- Great athleticism
- Lightning fast first step
- Great ball handler
- Floor general
- Fantastic playmaker
- Plays best in ISO play calls
- Attacks the rim
- Improved jumper
- Good defender
- High floor
Cons:
- Turnover prone
- Injury history
- Inconsistent jumper
- Poor in the pick-and-roll
- Poor free throw shooter
Overall: Kris Dunn was seen as a late lottery pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, but he knew he could propel himself into the top five if he came but to school for another year, and he has done that this season with his play in Providence. Dunn possesses a unique combination of size and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the court. On the offensive side of the ball, Dunn uses his lightning fast first step to attack the basket, where he can generate contact and get to the line. Dunn has some work to do to improve his free throw percentages as that sits at 68.4%. Everyone has heard of the passing ability of Dunn. Dunn has the ability to find teammates with ease, and does an excellent job of feeding the post for his talented frontcourt. His jumper has seen improvement over his career, both in form and efficiency, but he still has not found reliable consistency.
On the defensive end, Dunn is not a lockdown defender, but he is able to hold down his opponents. He uses his timing and length to be a great pickpocketer, to the tune of 2.9 steals per game. His speed allows him to close out on his opponents quickly, however Dunn does struggle with maintaining dribble penetration.
Overall, Dunn has the experience, leadership, and skills to step in for most franchises and lead them for the foreseeable future. His pro career does not look to be one of a superstar, but a player who can lead teams to the playoffs, and be the X-factor in many playoff type series. Dunn’s draft range currently sits in the 5-10 range. Many mock drafts have the Minnesota Timberwolves selecting him, which makes a lot of sense, since he offers the shooting ability that Ricky Rubio still has not shown. New Orleans also makes a lot of sense, as Jrue Holiday has never shown the ability to stay healthy for an entire year, and will be entering a contract year next season. Both of these locations would allow for Dunn to serve as the backup until he is ready for full control.
Pro Comparison: Kemba Walker
Kris Dunn could be seen as a moderate version of Kemba Walker coming out of Connecticut. Walker had questionable control, and was in need of guidance to find his true self once in Charlotte. The biggest thing that draws this comparison for Dunn is the speed at which both of these players play at. Dunn and Walker are both amazing passers. Both have the natural ability to find open teammates, but also the ball handling ability to draw double teams, and free up the offense. Walker has been erratic over the course of his career, in terms of his shooting, much like Dunn can do. Both are capable of making any shot on the court, but depending on the night, things could get ugly. Walker and Dunn are also both good at getting to the basket in traffic, and unlike Walker’s questionable size, Dunn should have no questions going into the league about this part of his game. Walker is exceptional from the line after he draws contact, something Dunn will need to work on a lot this offseason to crack any rotation. Even though they have excellent handling skills, both players have gotten the label for being turnover prone.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dunn’s size and length gives him an upper hand over Walker. Dunn’s awareness on the defensive side of the ball allows for him to shut down passing lanes, and get easy transition buckets. Neither player is a shutdown defender, but they are no James Harden either.
Overall, Walker is not a superstar in the league, but he is a quality starting caliber point guard, and lead the Hornets to another playoff berth this season. Dunn will have a similar type career as Walker is having, and that would make many of these lottery teams happy going into the future.
By: Mac Crowe, @Mac_Truck17
NBA Source Today 