What to expect from Kris Dunn in Chicago
If we know one thing, it’s that rookies do not flourish when they play under Tom Thibodeau. Former Bull Jimmy Butler played under the defensive-minded coach his rookie season during the 2011–12 NBA season and did not see much game action until an injury to Luol Deng let him develop into the top 15 NBA player we see today. Butler averaged 2.6 points per game in his rookie season, in just 8.5 minutes per contest.
Dunn, 23, was given a little more of a leash from Thibs, as he was on the floor for 17.1 minutes per game. Draft selection may play a factor in minutes given, as Jimmy Butler was selected at pick number 3o, while Kris Dunn was selected with the fifth pick in Tom Thibodeau’s first draft as President of Basketball Operations with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dunn’s highlight of his rookie campaign came in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on December 6, 2016. Dunn scored 15 points 6-of-7 from the floor. While his rookie season was up and down, there is still much to be excited about with this young point guard.
So what can we anticipate from Kris Dunn’s first season in Chicago? With Jimmy Butler no longer in the picture, Dunn will certainly be handed the keys to run the offense in this rebuilding season. Dunn will no longer have fear of being glued to the bench after a few mistakes that he may have felt under his former coach. With Zach LaVine likely out until February, Dunn will see the majority of the minutes at the point guard position, with last years mid season acquisition Cameron Payne as his backup.
Bulls fans should expect a more fast paced offense with a lot more three-point shooting. While Dunn only shot 29% from three last season, that number should vastly improve with more playing time and more attempts. While Dunn only averaged 3.8 points per game, his per 36 had him at 8 points. In this rebuilding season, Hoiberg should have Dunn playing nearly 40 minutes per game. Dunn will make plenty of mistakes, but in order to fight through and learn from them, he will have to be given the freedom that will allow him to become the player that the Bulls want him to be.
