Chicago Bulls point guard Kris Dunn is enjoying a breakout sophomore season, and he seems to think the change in scenery has a lot to do with it.
In an interview with David Aldridge of NBA.com that ran on Monday, Dunn threw shade at his ex-coach, Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“The game’s slowing down for me at a tremendous rate,” he said. “Last year, I couldn’t even tell you what position — one, two, three. I’m just out there, trying to impress the coach. That was what it was, and I couldn’t really learn.
“This year I’m learning,” Dunn continued. “I’m playing the role I’m used, point guard. I’m huge on film, so I watch a lot of film, see what I do wrong, see what I’m doing good. Honestly, it’s really slowing down for me.”
The 23-year-old Dunn was drafted No. 5 overall by Thibodeau and the Wolves in 2016 but had a horrific rookie season with them, averaging just 3.8 points and 2.4 assists in 17.1 minutes per game. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic adds that Dunn was frustrated with Thibodeau over his lack of playing time.
Mostly playing time related. Dunn wanted more. Thibs felt like he wasn’t ready. Frustrations ensued
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) January 1, 2018
Dunn was eventually traded to the Bulls as part of the Jimmy Butler deal and has responded with strong averages of 13.4 points and 6.0 assists in 28.7 minutes per game for them this season. The Providence product may not be the first player to squabble with Thibodeau, but with Dunn and the now-23-14 Wolves both thriving, it’s safe to say that a split was best for both sides here.
Image via Chicago Bulls on YouTube
