3. Kris Dunn
In his first season in Chicago, Kris Dunn showed flashes of why he was the fifth overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft. He averaged 13.4 points and 6.0 assists in 52 games last season. The Providence standout has certainly experienced ups and downs in his brief NBA career, as most young players do, but Dunn is poised to put together a more complete season in 2018-19, elevating his play as the leader of these young Bulls.
During the 2017-18 season, Dunn posted career highs in every offensive category, improving upon a disastrous rookie season under Tom Thibodeau with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The key for the 6’4″ point guard will be maintaining consistency in his third season. As the lead guard, Dunn sets the table on both sides of the ball. His shooting improved last season, from 37.7 percent as a rookie to 42.9 percent. To break out, Dunn’s shooting percentage should be above 46 percent overall and 35 percent from 3-point range.
One of the best ways for Dunn to improve his percentage will be to improve his percentage at the rim. Last season, he shot just 53 percent at close range.
Another aspect of Dunn’s potential breakout season will be limiting turnovers. Last season, he turned the ball over on 15.3 percent of his possessions. That’s obviously too high for a starting point guard in the league, and Dunn will need to lower that number to under 12 percent.
Of course Dunn’s calling card is his defense, averaging 2.0 steals a game in 2017-18. The Chicago Bulls should expect another strong defensive season from Dunn and anticipate him being an All-Defensive team selection.