It took until the 29th game of the season and for Clarkson to be inactive for the coaching staff to figure out that it would be a good idea to regularly start Dunn for defense, along with playmaking, but they finally got there.
Starting Dunn is only one of many factors contributing to the Jazz' 14-5 win/loss record beginning Dec 21, but it is an important factor imo. Though Dunn is only averaging 5.4 ppg since becoming a permanent starter, he is doing it on a not horrible 55.1 TS%, along with a good 5.8 ast, 1.1 tov, 3.5 rebs and 1 stl in 21.3 mpg - while playing defense.
https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?TeamID=1610612762&DateFrom=12%2F21%2F2023&DateTo=01%2F29%2F2024 I've regularly lamented that Dunn is not signed for longer, but given that he is a very unusual NBA starter only averaging 5.8 ppg for his combined starts, I think the Jazz will have a reasonable chance to re-sign him. I can't see another team going after Dunn for a starter, and his 4.4 ppg along with 2.8 ast and 1 tov as a bench player is not very exciting either.
Words of caution: I probably just jinxed Dunn with this post. Also, the Jazz' 73% win % since making Dunn a permanent starter is not sustainable, but I am optimistic for the Jazz' chances to win more games than they lose going forward. Go Jazz!