Chicago Bulls: 3 most important role players so far this season
1. Kris Dunn, Point Guard
Since Dunn is in his fourth year in the NBA, his advanced stats are going to be more polished and consistent than both Gafford and Hutchison. But no player on the Chicago Bulls roster figured out his role and proved his value in the NBA moving forward than Dunn. That came at the perfect time too.
This coming offseason, Dunn could be a free agent since he’s currently in the final year of his rookie contract.
So far this season, Dunn is averaging 7.3 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 25.9 percent from three-point land. Dunn is not a good three-point shooter, but that is a known fact. Boylen and the Bulls have to let him get to the rack and draw fouls more often.
His three-point attempt rate is sitting at a career high 32.7 percent. That is obviously too high given that his three-point shooting percentage is still sitting below 26. The offensive and defensive ratings that Dunn’s posting so far this season are also good for career bests.
Next. 3 early offseason Bulls trade targets. dark
On the other hand, Dunn is posting a career-best value over replacement player rating of 0.8, a whopping 2.3 win shares, and the first box plus/minus rating that is net positive of his career. Best of all, Dunn is registering the NBA’s best steal rate of 3.8 percent. The Bulls being one of the NBA’s forced turnover leaders this season was largely due to Dunn’s presence. His knee sprain is unfortunate and we will hopefully see him back as a core part of the Bulls rotation soon.