2. Kris Dunn, Point Guard
The rumor mill surrounding the Chicago Bulls 6-foot-4 defensive stud point guard Kris Dunn didn’t seem to stop churning during the offseason. But the play of Dunn so far this season, especially in the role as a defensive stopper off the bench, has earned him a more reliable spot in this rotation and a higher price tag come next offseason.
So far this season, Dunn is averaging 7.1 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and a lowly 23.2 percent from three-point range. Dunn is also averaging a sparkling 2.1 steals per game, and posting a steal rate of 4.2 percent that is tops in the NBA at the moment.
The limitations Dunn brings to the table, most notably spotty outside shooting (to put it lightly) and getting to the free-throw line, are two factors that the Bulls need out of a point guard right now. Shooting guard Zach LaVine isn’t consistent enough, or a bona fide primary scorer on a legit playoff team. Therefore, Dunn can be a detrimental offensive presence when he’s on the floor at the same time as LaVine.
Why the Bulls would be able to part ways with Dunn without losing too much defensive value is the presence of the 6-foot-4 combo guard Shaquille Harrison off the bench. Shaq isn’t getting near as much playing time this season as Dunn, and for good reason. But if the right deal comes along where the Bulls could sell-high on Dunn to a playoff contender in a contract year, then it might be the right move in the end.