With Ricky Rubio out indefinitely with a sprained right elbow, Dunn will receive the first of what figures to be several starts, providing an immediate boost to his fantasy value while his playing time likely climbs into the 30-minute range.
Dunn, the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, is viewed as the eventual successor to Rubio, but the Timberwolves likely would have preferred to ease him in a bit more as a rookie.
The former Providence star is NBA ready on the defensive end, but isn’t as skilled as a passer as Rubio and has similar limitations with his jumper. Though he’s hit 5-of-8 shots through the Wolves’ first two games, Dunn routinely struggled from the field during the preseason and will likely be a liability in that category.
That said, the production Dunn projects to offer in terms of scoring, rebounds, steals and assists may be enough to warrant a look if he’s available in shallower formats. Rubio’s injury will also allow summer-league standout Tyus Jones to enter the rotation as Dunn’s main backup.
