2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Joel Embiid Leading The Race Early

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-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 /

4. Kris Dunn, Minnesota Timberwolves

After Kris Dunn‘s exceptional debut in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas one would’ve expected him to get decent minutes as a lead guard off the bench.

Unfortunately Dunn hasn’t topped more than 20 minutes in his first two contests. The good news is that he’s scored efficiently while also getting his teammates involved.

Dunn had eight points in his debut game against the Memphis Grizzlies and four against the Sacramento Kings. While those don’t pop out of the box score, he shot 5-of-8 from the field overall.

Through 35 total minutes he also only has two turnovers to his name. He’s made good decisions on offense and has adjusted as best he can on defense.

As he gets more opportunities his defensive impact will be felt more. But for now at least he’s doing his part in leading his team down the floor on offense.

What’s worth monitoring is how quickly he can steal more minutes away from starter Ricky Rubio. No one’s exactly sure what coach Tom Thibodeau wants to see before he hands the keys over to Dunn.

It’s worth betting though that whoever plays harder in his system will win the job full-time later in the season.