Here's What Jazz Should do With Kris Dunn

The Utah Jazz need to keep Kris Dunn around for a while.

Who is Kris Dunn? Where did he play before the Utah Jazz? Why was he out of the league so quickly? 

You might be asking yourself these questions and more after watching Dunn nearly achieve a triple-double off the bench. The veteran has also been integral to the two victories since he arrived o a 10-day contract with the Jazz. 

Dunn is a 28-year-old point guard from New London, Connecticut, who played college ball at Providence. At 6-foot-3, he had all the tools going into the draft and was being compared to John Wall for his athletic body and skills, leading the guard to the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Where did he play before the Jazz?

After only a year in Minnesota, Dunn was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he played out his rookie contract plus an extension. Following his stint with Chicago, he signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Dunn was waived after a trade in the summer of 2021 and, since then, has struggled to assume a role beyond 10-day contracts.

Why was Dunn out of the league so quickly?

Dunn has never been the most efficient offensive player, but he could average six assists and 13 points in his best year with Chicago, and in the 2019-20 season, he finished 11th in the All-Defensive team voting. 

After only four games in the 2020-21 season, Dunn was sidelined due to leg injuries that led to surgery. After being waived and returning from injuries, he could never quite find a place in the league.

Dunn has his weaknesses and is not a starting guard, but in just two games, he has proven that he belongs in the league. His defensive prowess, veteran leadership, and court awareness have helped fill the void left by Mike Conley’s departure. 

The Jazz should extend Dunn's contract to the end of the season at least, and his performance on the court for that time could help influence his place in the league for the rest of his career.

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