Minnesota Sports Forum

Since Dunn was drafted, there has been a considerable amount of discussion about whether he can play next to Ricky. He was a PG in college, but Thibs and Leydon were adamant about the concept of the two of them playing together, and he has looked quite good playing SG in his first 2 pro games.

I've watched every minute of the first 2 SL games, and I don't know if the question should be "can he play next to Ricky". I think the more pertinent question should be "does he have a better future as a PG or a SG". I've seen a lot of things I like in him...terrific athleticism, gritty attitude, aggressive defense, good handles and a better-than-I-thought shooting stroke. So far though, I have not been overly impressed with his vision or distributing. I recognize that Tyus Jones has gotten most of the minutes at PG, so Dunn perhaps hasn't had much chance to show what he can do there, but his minutes at SG have seemed superior to his minutes at PG so far.

As I look at his college stats, I don't see a natural PG. Why? His substandard assist to turnover ratio, which I see as one of the best predictors of future PG success. And when I think of the best upside comps I can come up for him, I keep coming back to the same guy...Dwyane Wade, a shooting guard. There are a lot of similarities in their games: an ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket, exceptional leaping ability and athleticism, effective and disruptive defense, and an inconsistent outside shot (although Dunn was a better shooter in college than Wade). When Wade came out of college, there were concerns that he might have to play PG because he was shorter than the prototypical NBA SG. But he has been one of the best defensive SGs during his career. And Dunn's size is almost identical to Wade's. And there were also concerns about Wade's shooting ability coming out of college, but he has been a very efficient scorer in the pros relying almost exclusively on slashing and mid-range jumpers. Dunn showed a lot of promise to be a Wade-like slasher in college (and in his first 2 SL games), and he was a superior 3-point shooter to Wade in college. Maybe he can be a more potent offensive force if he doesn't have to worry about running an offense and turnovers.

I'm going to watch the game tonight with an eye toward what Dunn's position should be, and I wonder if Thibs is having the same thoughts. Whether Tyus Jones can become a capable backup PG will enter into the decision. If Tyus can continue to run the offense as smoothly as he has, plus develop as a defender under Thibs and his staff, perhaps Dunn's best role with the Wolves might be backing up Zach rather than backing up Ricky. If so, we may be watching our backup guard tandem in Las Vegas, and I wouldn't be unhappy with that at all.

It's an interesting question, LST. And it's the main reason Rubio will not be traded in the near future -- we just don't know how a player will develop.

But I seriously doubt we are looking at our backcourt tandem -- there are just not enough minutes for both Tyus and Dunn (Rush, Wiggins or Bazz will see some minutes as the 4th guard).

7.5 & 6.2 assists per game last two years in college. Indicates he's able distribute the ball. And if we wanna take everything Layden and Tibs say to the public at such face value, how would the shooting be with Rubio, Dunn and Wig?
Rubio and Dunn can definitely play some minutes together due to Dunn's versatility but his upside is much higher at the PG position. He could definitely cut down on turnovers, something Westbrook really struggled with earlier in his career.

60WinTim wrote:It's an interesting question, LST. And it's the main reason Rubio will not be traded in the near future -- we just don't know how a player will develop.

But I seriously doubt we are looking at our backcourt tandem -- there are just not enough minutes for both Tyus and Dunn (Rush, Wiggins or Bazz will see some minutes as the 4th guard).

Wiggins is my biggest issue, because I think he could be a dominant SG. But after whiffing on Deng in free agency, the lack of other viable options at SF tells me Wig is likely to be spending most of his time there this year. I like aspects of Bazz and Rush, but they both have flaws in their games and I'm not concerned about their minutes.

I don't know...there has been a lot of talk here about whether Zach should have been playing SG or PG, and it seemed necessity forced Flip and Sam to give him a lot of early minutes at PG. I hope necessity doesn't force Thibs to play Kris at PG if it's not his best position...especially if we have a future Dwayne Wade (I love that comparison!).

Thanks for starting this thread LST. I think this is a fair question. In these 2 summer league games Dunn looks like a dynamic SG to me.

monsterpile wrote:Thanks for starting this thread LST. I think this is a fair question. In these 2 summer league games Dunn looks like a dynamic SG to me.

I think it will be a fun issue to revisit as we get into pre-season. As I said earlier, it will be a moot issue if Thibs doesn't have confidence in Tyus (or acquire an experienced PG), but at least right now I agree with you...he looks like a dynamic SG.

Duke13 wrote:7.5 & 6.2 assists per game last two years in college. Indicates he's able distribute the ball. And if we wanna take everything Layden and Tibs say to the public at such face value, how would the shooting be with Rubio, Dunn and Wig?
Rubio and Dunn can definitely play some minutes together due to Dunn's versatility but his upside is much higher at the PG position. He could definitely cut down on turnovers, something Westbrook really struggled with earlier in his career.

Yeah, his assist totals in college are what gives me hope he can become a good NBA PG, assuming he learns to protect the ball better. And you're right...Westbrook is a good example of a college player who didn't protect the ball well, but became a top PG. The problem is Dunn had 4 years of college (while Russell came out after his sophomore year), so it would be a pleasant surprise if he turned it around like Russ did)

I just see so much Wade in Dunn's game that it makes me think of him as a SG.

Dunn's a PG. If you question his playmaking ability make sure to focus on his drives to the basket. He's been making a bunch of drive and kick passes that haven't been converted or the trigger just isn't pulled for whatever reason (I counted at least 6 in the first half against Toronto). He didn't get too many opportunities overall last game though because they eventually started double-teaming him off the PnR and that pretty much takes away his ability to drive and kick.

khans2k5 wrote:Dunn's a PG. If you question his playmaking ability make sure to focus on his drives to the basket. He's been making a bunch of drive and kick passes that haven't been converted or the trigger just isn't pulled for whatever reason (I counted at least 6 in the first half against Toronto). He didn't get too many opportunities overall last game though because they eventually started double-teaming him off the PnR and that pretty much takes away his ability to drive and kick.

Can't a SG drive and kick too?

monsterpile wrote:

khans2k5 wrote:Dunn's a PG. If you question his playmaking ability make sure to focus on his drives to the basket. He's been making a bunch of drive and kick passes that haven't been converted or the trigger just isn't pulled for whatever reason (I counted at least 6 in the first half against Toronto). He didn't get too many opportunities overall last game though because they eventually started double-teaming him off the PnR and that pretty much takes away his ability to drive and kick.

Can't a SG drive and kick too?

Nope, only PGs can