Kris Dunn has unquestionably earned a starting spot for the Clippers

With franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely, the LA Clippers began the season starting Terance Mann, one of their best two-way guards. This seemed like a no-brainer, as Mann was recently extended to a three-year, $47 million contract.

Conversely, through the Clippers’ first five games, Mann’s role in the rotation was unidentifiable. He appeared out of place in the starting lineup, thus explaining his struggles on the offensive side of the ball. In fact, the former second-round pick did not make a single three-pointer in October, adding to why a change needed to be made.

On November 13 against the Houston Rockets, head coach Tyronn Lue inserted defensive phenom Kris Dunn into the starting lineup, and the team instantly flowed much better. The ball constantly moved around offensively, and Dunn handled business by clamping down whoever stood before him on defense. 

Since being moved to the bench, Mann has played significantly better. He still has minor improvements to make, but it is clear the coaching staff has a tough choice to make in deciding to start Mann or Dunn moving forward.

Dunn has earned his starting spot

When Kawhi Leonard makes his regular season debut, he will obviously have a starting spot waiting for him. Until then, the coaching staff must decide who fills that open space better between their two defensive-minded guards. With Leonard still being without a timetable for return, this will of course be a decision with big ramifications.

Despite Mann’s recent progression, starting Dunn is the only right answer. He is an outstanding complement to superstar James Harden with his lockdown one-on-one defense. Moreover, Dunn moves exceptionally off the ball, attacks the paint when needed, and is willing to make the correct read offensively, leading to plenty of wide-open shot attempts.

In just 22.7 minutes this season, Dunn is averaging 6.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals. However, the numbers do not tell the whole story. Some of what Kris does cannot be quantified with traditional statistics. The intangibles he brings to the floor have allowed the Clippers to go 7-4 since promoting their defensive star into the starting rotation.

With all that said, Lue should stick with the player who has impacted winning on a higher level in Dunn. Although Mann is an outstanding player, he contributes best in a unique role off the bench.