Ryan Dunn Scouting Report
Ryan Dunn is arguably the most intriguing and confusing player in the draft. At 21, he is arguably already one of the best inside-out defenders on the face of the planet. Yet on the other side of the ball? Dismal at best.
It’s not just his 6’8”, 216 lbs frame, with a 7’2” wingspan, elite explosiveness, athleticism, and ability to legitimately guard one-through-five that has teams salivating (quite the mouthful, I know). Dunn is currently averaging 6.2 stocks (per 36 minutes), but shockingly even that doesn’t tell the full story of his defensive impact.
His ability to stay in front of the ball handler off the dribble, both laterally and vertically, is among the best I’ve ever seen from a prospect. One of my favourite things to watch in basketball is a guy shuffling his feet to stay in front of the ball handler. Something about it is so satisfying (as someone who loves good defence), hence why he has fast become one of my favourite prospects to watch. He even manages this as his opponent drives towards the rim, allowing him to shut down just about anything the offense tries.
His defensive awareness is unparalleled, with an IQ that will allow him to fit into any system or defensive scheme. He can move, switch, and rotate at a moment notice, almost as if it’s second nature. He also has an elite motor that allows him to stay thoroughly attached to an offensive player off the ball, giving them little-to-no space.
If the game of basketball was played one-way, Dunn would be a generational prospect. Unfortunately; it isn’t.
Dunn shot just 20% from three-point attempts this season, on just over one attempt per game. With that said, all reports lead to the fact that he has a rare work ethic, and if the ping pong balls fall just right, to a team that is patient in his development, the sky is the limit for this kid.
Think Kawhi Leonard: he came into the league as an elite defensive stopper, all the physical tools, the athleticism, the work ethic (the similarities are astounding). He got drafted to the right situation, with good skill development and a little patience, he developed into a perennial MVP candidate. Whereabouts is that Kawhi Leonard dude now?
He’s the best player on a legitimate championship contending team.
I’m not comparing Dunn to Kawhi Leonard- if anything I would say he is more of an Otto Porter Jr.- I’m simply saying that Dunn has the potential to take a similar career turn.