2016 Houston Rockets Draft Prospect Series: Kris Dunn, Providence

The Houston Rockets enter the upcoming 2016 NBA Draft without a top draft pick by virtue of making the post season. Unfettered the Rockets still hope to nab a star prospect with the potential to effect immediate results.  Over the next month SCS will look at the draft prospects   with a view to team fit and what moves would need to occur to get that pick. Is Kris Dunn a prospect worth trading for?

Draft Prospect:

Specifics:

• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 220 lbs
• Country: America – New London CT
• Position: Point Guard
• Age: 22
• Reach: 8’4″
• Wingspan: 6’10”
• College or Pro League: Providence (Junior)
• Stat line: 95 Games, 12.8 Points Per Game, 5.1 Rebounds Per Game, 5.8 Assists Per Game

Current Rank:

ESPN Chad Ford: 4th

Draft Express: 4th

NBA Scott Howard Cooper: 5th

Bleacher Report: 8th

The Skills:

Chad Ford of ESPN lists Kris Dunn‘s best traits as his penetration and court vision. He ranks pretty consistently as the best point guard in the trade with 3 of the 4 major sites listing him as the 4th ranked pick.

Given the guard focus in the league Dunn’s height helps make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a point guard (we see you Philly). His negatives are listed as his propensity to turn the ball over and his inconsistent jump shot.

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Though older than many prospects that can be viewed as a positive or a negative. Some teams prefer the youthful prospects who they can nurture in their system while teams like Toronto, Chicago and San Antonio have shown faith in players who are older and therefore more likely able to be NBA ready. His two shoulder surgeries may also play a factor with where he finds himself selected in the draft.

His numbers have increased each season with a notable improvement to 37.2% from behind the arc this past season.

Honors and Awards:

As per Wikipedia:

• Consensus second-team All-American (2016)
• 2× Big East Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (2015, 2016)
• 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
• McDonald’s All-American (2012)
• Jordan Brand Classic participant (2012)
• First-team Parade All-American (2012)

The Fit:

With the Houston Rockets absolute need for a starting caliber point guard Dunn could be a player who would intrigue Daryl Morey. The question is whether he would be willing to trade talent to obtain a rookie to join a team who already have issues with turnovers. Moreover, would Dunn be someone James Harden would be willing to put the ball in the hands of?

Final Thoughts

Doubt Morey would trade away assets to grab a rookie point guard. The only way Harden actually agrees to give up the ball will be to a bona fide starting caliber “proven” point guard. Therefore don’t expect Morey to make a play for Dunn.

Be sure to check out our continuing Draft Prospect Series and our Year End Player Reviews!