Coming into this season, Kris Dunn knew precisely what was at stake.
Yes, the Jazz were looking to return to the postseason after a one-year hiatus, openly voicing their common goal. For Dunn, it was deeper than that. As an unrestricted free agent entering this offseason, Dunn understood that this year might be his last chance to prove to NBA teams that he belongs in the league.
While time will tell if that's true, it appears to be a mission accomplished.
Despite a modest stat line of 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, Dunn's influence exceeded the typical box score. When he was in the game, the Jazz were better on both ends of the court — posting better offensive and defensive ratings than on the bench. Utah was +6.5 on offense and -1.0 on defense, which would make him one of the team's most influential players, considering he averaged just 18.9 minutes per game.
"It's like that every year. … There are really good moments, and then there are challenges," Dunn said. "Overall, I had fun. … A great group of guys, a great coaching staff, super grateful for the front office. … But a lot more work needs to be done. I'm excited for what's ahead. … I go out there and compete, just show NBA teams I can help a team win."
Dunn joined the Jazz towards the tail end of the 2022-23 season, signing multiple 10-day contracts as Utah looked for guard depth to end the year. He surprised many by showing a revamped offensive game — long considered his biggest struggle in the league. Over the final 22 games of the season, he averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 25.8 minutes while shooting 53.7% from the floor and 47.2% from three.
His performance was so impressive that Utah's front office wasted no time bringing him back for this past season. Even if his offensive shooting numbers fell somewhat, Dunn's defensive chops were elite and needed for a team lacking perimeter defenders. They also figured that having another veteran presence in the locker room, one with significant highs and lows throughout his eight-year career could benefit the young Jazz core.
"I think it started for me during my couple of years in the G-League, being one of the older guys with so many younger players," Dunn said of being a leader. "Because I've been through so much in my journey, they (young Jazz players) have questions, and I got answers. I'm also one of those guys that likes to pick their brains, I like to see what they see on the floor. … They all have an individual talent that makes them really good, and I try to steal from their game, too. I'm not the one to be selfish in the sense of only thinking I can only give what I receive. … It's a two-way street."
Most impressively, Dunn's offensive output remained high throughout the year. He finished the year shooting 47.0% from the floor and 36.9% from three, ranking as career highs apart from his short stint with the Jazz the previous season.
"It's proof that all players are capable of growth. … I think there's times where we just assume that once people get to a certain age, they just are what they are," head coach Will Hardy said of Dunn.
While multiple factors contributed to Dunn's career resurgence, he boils it down to his ability to have fun every day. Whether it's the late-night plane rides, the long practices, or the difficult games, he never takes any moment in the league for granted.
"Just staying resilient, trusting in yourself and having the confidence to believe, and most importantly, have fun with it," Dunn said. "I think the ones who have fun with their workplace are the ones who succeed. Yes, it's a job, it's a business, but I actually have fun going out there each and every single night. … I have fun in practice — even when I was in the G-League, I had fun. At the end of the day it's hoop, it's what I love. … I just wanted to keep going."
Dunn is an unrestricted free agent who can sign with any team that offers him a contract. While it's unknown if this includes the Jazz, both CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge and Hardy mentioned Dunn in their exit interviews as somebody they would love to bring back, considering his value to the team on and off the court.
"I'll just let everything play itself out," Dunn said. "I just stick to what I can control and that's my work during the summer. … Just making sure I'm constantly putting in the work, making sure I'm taking care of my body. Whatever happens, I'll let God handle it."
As for how his contract situation may have affected him during the season, Dunn admitted it was human nature to think about it, but nothing affected his play on the court or time with the team.
"It's human nature, you're definitely going to think about it," he said. "At the same time, you just try and take it day by day, keep the main thing the main thing, and that's going out there and competing each and every day. Once you understand your role, you can understand what you need to work on, how to improve, and go to another level."