Back in 2016, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Kris Dunn with the fifth overall pick. Dunn would only spend one season with the Wolves before being traded as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. The Providence College product averaged just 3.8 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 rebounds as a 22-year-old rookie. Dunn bounced back with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 13.4 points in his second season.
However, after a three-year tenure with the Bulls, Dunn's career was seemingly in jeopardy. From 2020 to 2023, Dunn played 40 total games with three different teams. In the first two seasons of the 2020s, it looked like Dunn's poor shooting and subpar offense were driving him out of the league.
Nevertheless, during the past two seasons, Dunn has rejuvenated his career, culminating in a stellar season with the Los Angeles Clippers last year. Dunn's career redemption is one of the better stories in the NBA. His averages of 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists don't jump off the page, but Dunn's defense made him a key part of a successful Clippers squad.
Dunn's elite defense saved his NBA career
Undoubtedly, Dunn's career resurgence is attached to his elite defense. The 6-foot-3 guard was always a good perimeter defender, but he reached another level in recent years. Impressively, Dunn held opponents to 43.3 percent shooting from the field and posted a -4.1 defensive on/off swing.
In addition to being an elite perimeter stopper, Dunn has the size to guard opposing wings if needed. He is highly disruptive off-ball, averaging 2.1 stocks (steals plus blocks). This skill set makes him a perfect fit next to James Harden, and he was a key part of the Clippers' third-ranked defense. If it weren't for a minute restriction, there's a strong chance Dunn would have made an All-Defensive team last season. Dunn's impact is mostly visible on defense, but he is also a solid finisher and connective playmaker.
While Dunn's career got off to a slow start with the Wolves, it's hard not to be happy for him, and his path to finding an NBA role is simply remarkable. It's an unlikely scenario, but it's interesting to think about what Dunn has on this current Wolves squad. His defense would be a perfect fit with the Wolves' culture. Regardless, he's found a perfect home with the Clippers, and even with LA's offseason additions, Dunn's defense will keep him in the rotation.
It's not all that uncommon for players to hit their stride late in the NBA, but for former lottery picks, this is fairly rare. Overall, Dunn is one of the best and most unique stories in the league.