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A former lottery pick may have a permanent home with the Utah Jazz

By Rob Greene

SALT LAKE CITY UT- APRIL 8: Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah Jazz calls a play as he brings the ball up the court against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of their game on April 8, 2023 at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement(Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- APRIL 8: Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah Jazz calls a play as he brings the ball up the court against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of their game on April 8, 2023 at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement(Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /
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Kris Dunn may have a permanent home with the Utah Jazz

The former Providence Friar made his season debut for the Jazz on Feb. 23, where he had a quick 11 in 16 minutes, shooting 50 percent. His time, along with all the other numbers rising, earned Will Hardy’s trust by the game, and Dunn got up to 25.8 minutes. He scored in double digits in his first seven games, as he did in 17 of his 22 outings with the team. At an efficient 53.7%, he reached 13.2 points, 5.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and a steal. Not one to really take threes, but Dunn shot 47.2% from out there.

What makes him special is that strong first step that allows him to smoothly get to the paint and attack the basket with ease. Dunn has great vision to help him find cutters to the hoop and shooters. He may not have the explosiveness he once carried entering the NBA, but he still has the capability of showing glimpses. It’s like he uses that explosive ability, strength, and athleticism he has always had to help him finish through contact or around the rim. Dunn’s guidance on offense, helping lead and get looks toward the rim so fluently, could be the main intriguing symbol in the PG’s resurgence.

rebounds,Dunn is among they amongst PG league leaders in field goal percentage through the last 20 games. His true shooting percentage is scorching right now at 59.9%. In his last seven games to end the season, Dunn averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists, shooting 61.3 FG/68.2 TS%.

Dunn has certainly exhibited parts of his game with upside before. Somewhat in his brief stint in Portland a year ago and more so during his time as a Chicago Bull. Dunn was in Chicago from his second season to the pandemic year in 2019–20, where he was 25. Year two as a Bull was where the guard really excelled, putting up 13.4 points, 6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 29 minutes. He shot in the low 40’s but had a solid tenure in Chicago none the less, averaging 10.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

In the former fifth overall pick’s experience with the Blazers via two 10-day contracts, Dunn played 14 games all last season with Portland. Dunn certainly showed some potential, recording 7.6 PPG, 5.6 APG, and 3.5 rebounds. The team needed his depth and flexibility with Damian Lillard nursing his abdominal injury all season long and the Blazers having just dealt CJ McCollum. Dunn’s defensive knowledge to go with his newly budding athleticism allowed him to be a serviceable fill-in.

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