Many thought that the Boston Celtics would draft point guard Kris Dunn with the third overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. But like Danny Ainge does best, he threw a curveball and drafted forward Jaylen Brown out of California.
After Monday’s shootaround, Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau said that he wasn’t surprised Ainge went a bit off the grid with his pick.
“Having known Danny, I know he’s going to hold things up like he did,” Thibodeau said. “We felt good about all the possibilities we had. We felt we were going to get a good player. We liked the guy that they took as well . . . Obviously we’re pleased with the way it turned out.”
Both rookies, expectedly, have gone through their growing pains. In 12 games, Dunn is averaging four points, 3.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 20.2 minutes per game.
In 13 games, Brown is averaging seven points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Defense was supposed to be the strong point early for both of these players and it has been. The offense will come at some point for Dunn, especially if he keeps putting the work in.
“(Dunn) comes in every day and he works,” Thibodeau said. “For him, it’s about learning the league, the system, his teammates . . . Most rookies, there’s a learning process they have to go through.”
Injury Update
Brandon Rush (toe) took part in Monday’s shootaround and his status will be updated closer to game time. He hasn’t played since Nov. 5.