Millions of children growing up nowadays watch Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry score effortlessly on television and dream of being just like them. Thus, they head straight to their backyards and begin working on their three-point shot and different ways to create space.
However, some want to be different and bring more to the game than just scoring. These few prefer to work on defensive slides and agility drills to become the coach's pet on whatever team they end up playing on.
This is where certain dreams are established, such as one day playing in the NBA, making an All-Defensive team, or better yet, winning the league's Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
These honors and awards are all about effort and hustle, two of which LA Clippers' star defender Kris Dunn thrives in. Yet, because of how the front office went about their offseason, last season was the closest he may get to seeing his career-long dream get accomplished.
The LA Clippers' backcourt additions will prevent Kris Dunn from achieving greatness
The LA Clippers needed Chris Paul to come back home. He is truly one of the most efficient guards in the league, still, and has an IQ that will make a drastic difference on both sides of the ball for Tyronn Lue next season.
Additionally, the fans missed him deeply, so this was another reason for the Clippers to pursue him with an available opening.
Conversely, Paul joined the Clippers, who already had Bradley Beal, another guard who filled a hole. He was not originally needed, but with the trade of Norman Powell, LA was without a member of the backcourt whose sole job is to get buckets.
Adding these two was ultimately a must, but the Clippers did not stop to consider, even for a second, what impact their additions would have on Kris Dunn and his veteran career.
Dunn has worked tirelessly since entering the league to obtain the defensive recognition he deserves, and last season, he was extremely close. He was on track to do the same in 2025-26, but this time, Tyronn Lue would make sure the All-Defensive requirements are met.
This is not in the range of possibilities anymore, as Dunn will be playing behind multiple guards that the Clippers prioritize more. This is unfortunate for the former lottery pick, but teams in the NBA want to win championships, and LA may see a path by playing other guys over the defensive phenom.