Timberwolves select Kris Dunn with No. 5 pick in 2016 NBA draft
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The Timberwolves selected Providence guard Kris Dunn with the No. 5 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft.
During his senior season, Dunn averaged 16.4 points, 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.8% and 37.2% from beyond the arc.
Dunn’s first two collegiate seasons were plagued by nagging shoulder injuries. Dunn tore the labrum in his right shoulder the summer before his freshman season and then re-injured the shoulder during an exhibition game before his sophomore year. After playing through the pain during the first four games of his would-be-sophomore stint, Dunn underwent season-ending surgery. He came back as a redshirt junior and then solidified his case as one of the top picks in this year's draft as a senior.
Strengths: Dunn possesses elite playmaking ability at the point guard spot, combining a knack for passing and impressive court vision to set up his teammates. He harnesses his explosive athleticism to get to the rim and hound opponents on defense. His size and length—Dunn’s wingspan measured at 6’9.5” at the combine—for a point guard also bolsters his defensive profile. All the above combines to create the top point guard prospect in the 2016 draft.
Weaknesses: While Dunn’s agility makes him an elite point guard prospect, it also tends to lead him into wild possessions. He averaged a less-than-stellar 3.5 turnovers per game last season. Dunn’s shooting is also erratic. He shot 35.4% from three-point on his 206 attempts, but the conversions came and went in waves. Dunn can tend to be a little erratic and undisciplined on defense. He can also benefit from improving his ability to finish at the rim.
Grade: B+
Explanation: The Bulls and Sixers were both rumored to be in pursuit of Dunn. The Wolves are reportedly keeping him, and he seems like a philosophical match for Tom Thibodeau. He’s seen as the most NBA-ready guard in the draft, competes defensively and can make plays and score the ball on offense. The personnel fit for the Wolves is a tad less clear, with Ricky Rubio in place. Maybe he moves this off-season. Minnesota needed shooting on the wing, and Jamal Murray remains on the board with a little more long-term upside. But Dunn slots in nicely with a talented core that will surely look different come October. - Jeremy Woo
