Chicago Bulls: Kris Dunn’s return should spark team post-All Star Break

The Chicago Bulls have had relatively tempered expectations for their current season dating back to the Jimmy Butler trade, but one of the high points of the year came when point guard Kris Dunn got a chance to start flourishing. Dunn has now missed nearly a month due to a concussion suffered January 17th, but he is finally back.

Prior to the injury, Dunn was averaging 14.7 points, 7.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game in January. He had begun his ascent in his development and was on a fast track to becoming a budding star for the Bulls.

One of the things that coaches and fans have wanted to see all season long but have rarely seen is the likes of Dunn and fellow newcomers Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen on the floor together. In fact, they have only played together three times thus far.

Wednesday night marks the first game back and, of course, Dunn’s minutes will be limited. However, following the All Star break, Dunn should be worked back into the rotation, ultimately assuming his starting role again.

The more time he gets with a healthy LaVine and the dynamic rookie, Markkanen, the better off he and the Bulls will be. Looking back on the Butler trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, it might be fair to say that Chicago came out doing just fine. After all, between Dunn, LaVine and Markkanen, the Bulls essentially received three first-round picks in return.

Coming out of college, Dunn was a guy who received a lot of hype. He could score with the best of them. His athleticism spoke for itself. He was just plain exciting — most experts knew he would end up being a very solid pro. He never got that chance with the Wolves, though.

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Now, with the Bulls, and returning to full health, Dunn will look to improve upon what he started earlier in the season. The team will get a full week break following All Star Weekend.

Chicago may not be in contention anytime soon, but Dunn’s play had the team running on all cylinders earlier in the year. After starting the season 3-20, the Bulls ripped off a 7-game win streak in December and have had a pair of 3-game win streaks since then as well.

Will we finally see just how good Dunn can be after the break? I’m sure fans can’t wait to watch and find out.