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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top Contenders For Rookie Of The Year

By Nathan Grubel

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kris Dunn, Minnesota Timberwolves

While he won’t start immediately for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kris Dunn has his next role on the horizon.

Teams like the Sacramento Kings have reportedly gauged interest in dealing Ricky Rubio for other assets. If Dunn plays well enough off the bench coach Tom Thibodeau could hand over the keys to the offense sooner rather than later.

But that requires Dunn to not only score but set his teammates up while keeping the turnovers down.

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That’s what Rubio does best. Even though he’s not an elite scorer he’s one of the NBA’s most creative passers.

Dunn has the ability to drive and kick the ball out to open shooters, but it’s not his greatest strength.

The Timberwolves have a number of guys who need a set-up man to convert at a high level. Karl-Anthony Towns does well in the pick-and-roll, and Andrew Wiggins is better catching and shooting or driving rather than creating entirely by himself at this point.

As long as he can keep turnovers down and help the team score, he has a starting future potentially this season. Thibs should look to move Rubio by the deadline to start getting Dunn needed minutes at the position.

If this happens, he’ll have enough opportunities and touches to win Rookie of the Year.