Written by Kent Youngblood at Minneapolis Star Tribune.com
The first word usually heard about Kris Dunn is: tough.
Yes, there is talent. The point guard from Providence — considered by many to be the third-best player in this year’s NBA draft — can score. He might be the best defender in the draft. He’s tall (6-4 with a 6-9½ wingspan) and strong.
But tough has to be the main reason why he was so attractive to Timberwolves president of basketball operations and coach Tom Thibodeau, and why he was taken with the fifth overall pick Thursday.
Thibodeau and General Manager Scott Layden, in their first draft with the Timberwolves, took a point guard even though five-year veteran Ricky Rubio is on the roster. But how could they not? LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram went to Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Lakers to start the draft. Then, with trade rumors swirling, Boston stood fast and took small forward Jaylen Brown. At No. 4, Phoenix selected European big man Dragan Bender.
Dunn was available.
“We think Kris is a great fit for us,” Thibodeau said. “We didn’t know how it was going to unfold. There were going to be some good options for us. We thought this was the best one.”
Said Dunn: “I’m excited. I have to buy a lot of jackets. But there is a very talented, young group there. Karl Towns, shout out to him for being rookie of the year. Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine. And Thibs, being the new coach.”
The intrigue was just getting started. Even before the pick was made, there were reports of the Wolves being in trade talks. An ESPN report suggested Minnesota was close to a deal that would have sent Dunn and a player to the Bulls for Jimmy Butler. The 76ers were also calling, in need of a point guard.
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