1. Continue to wreak havoc on defense
During his collegiate career at Providence, Dunn proved to be both a capable scorer (12.8 points per game) and facilitator (5.8 dimes per outing). However, the factor that more than likely contributed to him winning the Big East Player of the Year award in his last two seasons was his stout defense.
With the ability to get the job done at both ends of the floor, Dunn was taken at the No. 5 spot by the Timberwolves in the 2016 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, despite his two-way potential, Dunn didn’t see a lot of floor time in Minnesota.
Conversely, although he was limited to just 53 games last season, Dunn led the team in steals, posting two per outing. This mark would have allowed him to finish in the top five in this category in the league had he played in enough games to qualify, which is pretty impressive.
Two years ago, Paxson went on record by stating that the point guards set the tone for a team from a defensive standpoint. Based on what Dunn has shown thus far, the front office has to be pleased in the effort that he gives at that end of the floor.
If he continues to excel in this area, there is little doubt that he will be in the running for an All-Defensive selection in the near future.