5. Kris Dunn
Previous ranking: 6
Kris Dunn is a big reason why the Bulls are still in the hunt for a playoff spot 30 games into the season. He’s the best defender on the team and one of the best defenders in the entire NBA. He’s even taken a step forward offensively.
It turns out all Dunn needed to slowly start on his path toward reaching his ceiling was to not have the pressure and expectations of being the “franchise point guard.”
Dunn still has the same primary problem he’s had for his entire NBA career: He’s a bad shooter. But he looks better almost everywhere else, including his decision making. He’s way smarter with the ball than he ever has been. Subsequently, he’s turning the ball over at a career-best rate.
If Dunn can keep putting an absurd amount of pressure on opposing ball handlers, he might be in line for a spot on the All-Defensive Team.