If you were to look back over the past decade in the NBA you would find six teams that had the privilege of calling themselves world champions and six teams that have had at least two future Hall of Famers.

Yet there is one more thing that these six teams had in common, an outstanding point guard. From Derek Fisher to Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry, each of these championship winning teams have had an elite performer in their backcourt to organize and lead their team. And if there is one position that the Chicago Bulls need to solidify this offseason, it is the point guard position.

When Kris Dunn arrived in Chicago, he was a second-year player coming to the Bulls as part of the Jimmy Butler trade and he wanted to hit the ground running after an unremarkable rookie season. The expectations were high, both those Dunn placed on himself and expectations placed on him by the Bulls fans. He did not disappoint, even while battling injuries and was one of the team’s top performers. For a team that had little to celebrate, Dunn’s performance was a cause for celebration. Dunn’s improved play both offensively and defensively earned him a selection to play in the Rising Stars Game during NBA All-Star Weekend. His first year with the Bulls and second year in the league saw improvements in his points, assists, rebounds, and steals.

With all the improvements Dunn made in year two fans were right to expect another big jump in Dunn’s third professional season and second with the Bulls. Injuries, coaching changes, and playing on a young and inexperienced team were all factors that led to a season that left Dunn and fans alike scratching their heads.

For a player who had made such an improvement in his game and was poised to take the point guard reigns full-time Dunn’s 2018-19 season was simply put, underwhelming. In the third game of the season and his first back in action since the birth of his son, Dunn sprained his MCL which left him out for an extended period. Returning to play in December, to his credit Dunn was one of the team’s top performers.

Unfortunately, this was short-lived, the second half of the season rolled around and his impact dropped. All of the key areas of his game that he had improved in the year before were areas where his play fell short this past season, even with a lingering knee issue. This drop off in play did not go unnoticed from Dunn either.

“I have to get back to doing what I do best, which is be aggressive, make plays, look at the rim and make plays for others and guard my (butt) off.”

Dunn’s name has constantly been on the lips of Bulls management with General Manager John Paxson who has previously stated that he is looking to upgrade the position. “I’m not going to give away where we’ve slotted guys, but we’ve gone on our board already and there are more than seven (players) there that we like.” If the Bulls decide to go point guard at the seventh pick Coby White and Darius Garland would be the two top prospects available at the position as Ja Morant, is expected to be selected second by the Grizzlies. Dunn in could very well start the season on the outside looking in.

What Kris Dunn needs and what fans hope for him is that in 2019-20 he bounces back. If he can re-ignite his scoring touch, continue to improve into a premier defender in the NBA, and become the leader the Bulls need him to be, he could be in Chicago for a long time. When Dunn arrived in the league, he had high expectations for himself his rookie season, he fell short. In year two he improved by leaps and bounds and in year three injuries and inconsistent play set him back.

If there is one thing Kris Dunn has proved over his entire basketball career it is that he can bounce back. And even if you aren’t betting on Kris Dunn, rest assured that he’s betting on himself.

Featured Image: The Athletic