Atlanta Hawks: What impact will Kris Dunn have on the team
The Atlanta Hawks have gone all season without the services of offseason signing Kris Dunn. The defensive point guard was signed during the offseason and just prior to the season starting, Dunn had ankle surgery which has kept him out until now.
Dunn was signed with the goal of giving Trae Young the ability to rest on defense. However, since the Hawks signed Dunn, they have been one of the best defensive units in the NBA, especially on the perimeter.
However, when Dunn is able to hit the court, he is going to need to form a relationship with starting pivot Clint Capela. Dunn is already a terrific defender, but if he is paired with Capela, then he is going to become even harder to score against.
The Atlanta Hawks will be a deep playoff team with Kris Dunn in the lineup.
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Dunn is not just any other rotation piece for the Hawks. His defense is a cut above most others in the entire league. Offensively he is a viable secondary option at the point, who relies on his defense to create offense.
Last season Dunn was second in the league with 2.0 steals per game. When he was on the floor, Dunn had the highest steal percent in the entire league with 3.8. When healthy, Dunn is one of the most active defenders in the entire league.
When he comes back from injury, Dunn is probably going to be used towards the end of the quarters. His active defense is going to slow any runs against the Hawks. His offense is also strong enough to be on the court at the end of games
Where Dunn is going to be most beneficial is when the Hawks make the playoffs and the game slows down. Dunn’s defense is going to be crucial to helping create offense but also stopping the opposition’s best guard. It may only be for a few plays or for a half, but Dunn will certainly change a game.
Next. The Hawks have the best bench in the NBA. dark
Getting Dunn into the lineup with more than 20 games to go before the playoffs allows him to get acquainted with the players and the systems of the Hawks. Dunn could be the missing piece that takes the Hawks deep into the playoffs picture.