The offseason signee that can revive his career with the Clippers

In recent years, the LA Clippers have gotten necessary flak for bringing in too many players with off-the-floor drama. However, they also deserve praise for adding a talented veteran that is due for a career renaissance.

Kris Dunn seemingly had all the traits to be a superstar as a pro prospect. Even at a slender 6'3, his tenacity closer resembled that of a middle linebacker rather than a modern point guard. With a decent handle and a lightning-quick first step, he did most of his damage by exploding toward the cup. Defensively, he drew comparisons to Gary Payton, masterfully navigating around screens and stifling opposing guards at every turn. 

Despite a lack of postseason success, he rejuvenated Providence College hoops and made them a formidable threat on a national stage. Even with his stellar makeup, there was still cause for concern due to his streaky perimeter shooting. During his senior year as a Friar, he had his best season from beyond the arc, which propelled him further up draft boards.

Dunn had a very slow start to his pro career

In a 2016 draft class with many intriguing prospects, Dunn went fifth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves, ahead of guards like Buddy Hield and Jamal Murray. Kris struggled mightily as a rookie before being dealt to the Chicago Bulls in a trade for Jimmy Butler.

He showed flashes of brilliance in the Windy City, but a plethora of injuries and an inability to adapt to the modern NBA spoiled his tenure. After brief stints in Atlanta, Portland and the G League, it looked like the end of the road was near for the former lottery pick.

In February 2023, towards the end of their campaign, the Utah Jazz inked Dunn to a 10-day deal. He impressed so much that he earned an additional 10-day contract, which eventually led to a multi-year deal. He had some excellent stretches with the Jazz, finally adding three-point range to his arsenal while being one of the best defensive guards in the game.

A muddled rotation and the team's inconsistent direction dampened Dunn's resurgence. Even with a limited sample size, the 30-year-old had shown enough gas in the tank to thrive in a more prominent role. 

Kris can shine for the Clippers this season

With the departure of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard being largely unreliable, the Clippers are without an identity. Steve Ballmer did his best to embrace the star-driven ethos of Hollywood but quickly learned you can't buy success in the NBA. The best thing the club can do is take on the gritty and hard-nosed personality of their head coach, Ty Lue. 

Dunn can slot in as the defensive spearhead of a unit sorely lacking intensity. In a Western Conference filled with talented guards, having an elite ballstopper is a luxury that changes the equation for this team. Offensively, he's feast or famine but is much more confident taking shots from outside and can finish around the rim. 

Even entering his ninth season, I think Dunn can outshine a role on the end of the bench. Expect the journeyman to age like fine wine and make a profound impact during his first season in Inglewood.