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NBA Rookie Rankings: Joel Embiid begins ‘The Process’

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands for the national anthem prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands for the national anthem prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. team. 86. . . Previous: . Kris Dunn

Selecting a point guard caused many to raise an eyebrow at what the Timberwolves were doing. They had Ricky Rubio already, but through five seasons, he never broke out like once hoped. This includes never shooting above 38-percent and not taking it to the next level in his production, despite always hovering around 8 assists per game.

Well, his potential replacement, Kris Dunn, has flashed early upside in limited minutes. His best game most notably came with Rubio out as well, putting up 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals. While the latter stat isn’t going to be a nightly thing, it’s indicative of Dunn using his nearly 6-foot-10 wingspan to defend the point guard position.

Along with this performance, Dunn is averaging 7.3 points per game, 3.7 assists, and 3 rebounds, all among the best in the NBA’s 2016-17 rookie class. This should only go up as the weeks continue too, especially with Rubio out indefinitely with a sprained right elbow. The Providence product’s career may have just begun, but he may already have his first golden opportunity to rise and take the starting job.

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