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NBA Draft Profile: Kris Dunn
- Updated: June 1, 2016
Kris Dunn
6-4, 220 lbs.
School: Providence
Class: Junior
STRENGTHS: Whoever takes Kris Dunn is getting an All-Star point guard and elite-level defender, in our humble opinion. Barring injury, this kid has the chance to be one of the best guards in the league, and has already shown the ability to do almost everything on the basketball court.
Let’s start with the fact that Dunn has good size for an NBA point (6-4), and has an even bigger wingspan (6-8). He’s also a tremendous athlete, has a Russell Westbrook-type motor at times, and a terrific first step. Dunn did it all for the Friars this past season, averaging 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. He also averaged 2.5 steals per game, which ranked fourth nationally. In 2015, he finished second in the nation in assists (7.6), and fourth in steals (2.8).
He’s been compared to Dwyane Wade (which says something about his athleticism) and Gary Payton (ridiculously high praise, but his motor, wingspan and knack for making steals explain it). He’s athletic enough to become an elite defensive player with the ability to block some shots and guard multiple positions.
WEAKNESSES: The first thing that will worry teams is his injury history, as Dunn missed most of his first two seasons in Providence with a shoulder injury. But that seems to be behind him now. Scouts should be more concerned about his shot (a below-average 37% from 3-point range and 69.5% from the free throw line. He’s also 22 years old, which shouldn’t be a big deal, but some teams will freak out about it. He didn’t help his cause when he made news for wanting to withhold his medical records from the Celtics and Suns either, showing teams that he might be a bit of a diva. Dunn should stop worrying about which players he might have to compete with to earn minutes in the backcourt and just focus on being the best player he can possibly be in workouts and at the combine. If you’re good enough, you’ll play, Kris. No doubt about that.
BOTTOM LINE: Kris Dunn was one of the best players in the country this past season, and he and forward Ben Bentil single-handedly willed Providence into the NCAA’s second round. Dunn will leave Rhode Island as an All-American and two-time Big East Player of the Year, something only five other players have accomplished. There are only a few sure bets in this draft–and much like the other 22-year-old guard in the lottery (Buddy Hield), we think Dunn is one of them. If he stays healthy, he’s got the potential to become an All-Star.
