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Before leaving Brooklyn, New York, on NBA draft night as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kris Dunn heard numerous rumors about where he'd wind up.

Some thought the Boston Celtics would grab him with the third pick. Then there were whispers of a potential deal by the Philadelphia 76ers to move up to No. 3. Dunn even found himself in the midst of trade buzz after the Timberwolves took him fifth overall.

He stayed with Minnesota, and he'll join Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to form one of the most exciting young cores in the game.

Dunn talked to Bleacher Report about the predraft process, what he heard, his future with the Wolves and his partnership with Speed Stick.

Bleacher Report: What was the predraft process like for you and how much did the uncertainty—not knowing where you're going—affect or weigh on you?

Kris Dunn: It was nerve-wracking. You don't know where you're going to live or what team or organization you're going to be with, so you have a lot of different ideas of where you think you're going to go. But you won't know until draft night.

The draft process was really good; it really helped me. I was in L.A. training with Don MacLean. I was with other draft prospects like Tyler Ulis, Ron Baker, Guerschon [Yabusele], Damian Jones, Jakob Poeltl. So many guys and a bunch of NBA players came in and worked out with us, and it definitely helped my game and helped me prepare and get ready for the NBA.

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B/R: Did you think the Boston Celtics or Phoenix Suns were going to take you at No. 3 or No. 4?

Dunn: I thought Boston or Phoenix could take me because they were interested. I knew Philly, Boston, Phoenix, the Wolves and Pelicans all had interest in me. We were just seeing which one would take me on draft night.

B/R: What did you hear about a possible trade to Philadelphia? The Sixers needed a guard, and there were rumors they were trying to trade into the top five to grab you. Were those rumors legitimate?

Dunn: I have no idea. It was never confirmed with me that the rumors were true. All I know right now is that they were just rumors.

B/R: Even after you were picked, there were reports of a discussed trade that would have sent you to the Chicago Bulls in a deal for Jimmy Butler. What's it like being in trade rumors for the first time in your career?

Dunn: People didn't tell me that until once I was done with the interview. People were telling me there was a possibility I was going to Chicago, and I was almost like mind-boggled because I didn't even hear that while I was in the interview process. But then people said it didn't go through.

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B/R: Did you talk to Minnesota before the Wolves picked you, and if so, what did they say?

Dunn: I didn't talk to the Wolves until after they picked me.

B/R: Now that the dust has settled and there is no more uncertainty, no more rumors, how are you feeling about the way things worked out?

Dunn: Really good. I was in Minnesota a couple of days ago. Minnesota is actually nice; the people here are loving and caring. I met a lot of people, and they were just really excited for me to be here, so you can't be more pumped than that. There are a lot of talented players on this team. Coach Thibs [Tom Thibodeau], he's a great coach. I feel like I'm in a good organization to get better.

B/R: Did you have any prior relationship with Andrew Wiggins or Karl-Anthony Towns? Have you spoken to them or any other guys on the team since you've been drafted?

Dunn: I kind of knew Towns from the process because we're under the same agency. We bumped into each other a few times. He gave me some advice on what to expect during the draft process, what to expect draft night and in the NBA. He was definitely a great help to me.

B/R: Even though Minnesota isn't one of the major markets, there are going to be a lot of eyes on you since the Wolves are pegged as one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams now with you, Wiggins and Towns.

Had you gone to Phoenix or New Orleans, the spotlight probably wouldn't have been as bright. Do you feel any extra pressure knowing this is a team people will be looking at to take the next step and you're viewed as one of the final pieces or building blocks that's expected to get it there?

Dunn: I don't think there's any pressure. Everyone knows I'm a rookie; they know it's going to take time. All the fans want to see is that you go out there and give it your all. That's the best you can do.

B/R: What are the things you've heard about the Wolves and Thibodeau that make you think you'll be a good fit in Minnesota?

Dunn: Just the young guys that are there. I'm a young talent going in there, and there are so many young talents already there that we're all going to improve through the years. And because we're young, we're going to have a good relationship. Our chemistry on and off the court is going to be better.

Coach Thibs, he's a defensive coach, and some say my greatest strength is defense even though I know I have to improve in order to guard the elite scorers that are in the NBA. And I feel like Coach Thibs can help me improve my defensive skills. He worked with a lot of great point guards. I'm trying to work in that stature, and I think Coach Thibs can definitely help me.

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B/R: Have coaches or management told you anything about what the plan is with you and Ricky Rubio in the backcourt?

Dunn: No.

B/R: Do you have any expectations for yourself as a rookie? Have you set any specific goals: expect to start, gunning for Rookie of the Year, specific numbers you want to hit?

Dunn: I haven't really thought about that yet. I'm just trying to get in the gym every day and work hard, try and make a good first impression in training camp and summer league. I'm going out to the USA tryouts, try and go there and compete, try and feel the game out and make an impact.

B/R: Last year, you took a risk—passed on potentially going in the 2015 lottery and went back to school—a risk that clearly paid off. How much more prepared for the NBA do you feel now compared to how you felt this time one year ago?

Dunn: I'm definitely more prepared. I feel like I learned the game a lot more. I got a chance to work on my body even more, become stronger and learn more about the game at both ends of the floor. I started to watch a lot of film, and I started to understand what it takes in order to be good or great—what it takes with the everyday process or everyday grind. How to prepare yourself for each and every game. I think that's the most important thing I learned.

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B/R: I'm sure you've been asked this question a million times, but for the Bleacher Reporter readers who haven't gotten to hear from you, is there a point guard in the NBA you try to model your game after?

Dunn: There are so many great point guards in the league. I try and pick from every point guard out there. Most people will make the easy comparison and say John Wall because of the height, the speed, the athleticism, the wingspan and all that. But there are so many great point guards that I try and pick and choose.

B/R: I saw you've already got your feet wet as an actor in the new Speed Stick commercials. I'd imagine there will be more commercials coming your way. What was that experience like for you, being on camera and acting?

Dunn: It wasn't easy. You want to try and be perfect right away. It just doesn't happen like that because they're looking for something, and you do something different.

John C. McGinley—he's the Speed Stick [commercials] coach. He's been doing this a million times. He's great at it, very funny. He gave me and Brandon Ingram a lot of advice, basically telling us to have fun with it and stay true to yourself and don't try and get it right on the first try because nothing is perfect. ... Once we got our comfort level, it became a lot easier.

B/R: Having watched you over the years, the one thing I tell people about Kris Dunn is that if all else fails, even if his shot isn't falling that day, he's going to bring it defensively. When your first season in the NBA is over, what's the one thing you're going to want fans to say when they think about you and your playing style?

Dunn: He's a good kid on and off the court. When he's on the court, he tries and gives it his all. He's not going to back down from anybody. He brings that dog mentality. And you can see he's going to improve through the years. And off the court, just that he's a good guy. I think that's the most important thing. A guy that has a good character and cares for others and is selfless. That's what it's all about.