Trail Blazers Sign Former No. 5 Overall Draft Pick

The Portland Trail Blazers will be without Anfernee Simons for up to two weeks, so they've dipped into the G League to recruit the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 Draft, Kris Dunn, to a 10-day "hardship" contract.

The Trail Blazers are signing guard Kris Dunn to a 10-day hardship deal, sources tell ESPN. Dunn gives the Blazers some backcourt depth with Anfernee Simons out 1-to-2 weeks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 13, 2022

It's been two years since Dunn has seen any real NBA action, as he finished a 3-year run with the Chicago Bulls in 2020. He enjoyed moderate success in Chicago, particularly his first two seasons there, when he averaged 12.3 points and 6 assists. Unfortunately, he was never able to play more than 52 games in any of his 3 years there.

Dunn only played four games for the Atlanta Hawks last season before suffering an ankle injury, and has been with the G League's Agua Caliente Clippers since January. In 14 games there, the 27-year-old guard is averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

With six players out long-term with injuries, the Blazers were able to use a "hardship exception" contract to sign Dunn. He adds some backcourt depth for a team that's missing guards Damian Lillard, Eric Bledsoe, Didi Louzada, all on the injured list. Simons is out short-term with a knee problem.

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