New York — Kris Dunn could be in for an interesting and eventful NBA Draft night. 

Pre-draft rumors are swirling about Boston selecting Dunn at No. 3. Other reports point to Minnesota at No. 5 or New Orleans at No. 6 taking him. 

There's also speculation that Dunn may end up in Philadelphia, which owns the top overall pick, through a trade. That would be fine with his father, John Seldon, who grew up in north Philadelphia and still has family there. 

The answer will come at Thursday night's NBA Draft, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. 

“Draft night, a lot of things can happen,” Dunn said Wednesday in New York. “No one knows what is going to happen. That's what makes the night so special.” 

There is a consensus that Dunn, the top-rated point guard in the draft, will be taken in the top six. 

Dunn, who graduated from New London High School as the program's all-time leading scorer and went on to have an All-American career at Providence College, also is considered the best available player after Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, who are expected to be the first two choices. 

Former Providence coach Tim Welsh, an analyst for Comcast Sports New England, believes Dunn has the skill set, mentality and maturity to make an immediate impact. 

Dunn is NBA ready as any player in the draft, Welsh added. 

“He showed in college to me that he was a man among boys most nights...,” Welsh said. “He finished and he can go coast to coast. He's really hard to defend one-on-one. He can get anywhere he wants to go off the bounce. … He's rock tough. He plays high speed and high confidence all the time. I think that's so important. 

“Defensively, he can wreck a game.” 

While Dunn continues to remain cool and calm while handling the hectic pre-draft process, his family is looking forward to finding out the next step. 

“We're anxious,” said Audra, Dunn's stepmother. “We can't wait to see what team picks him and where he's going to be heading.” 

Dunn, who grew up a Celtics fan, would be fine with Boston as his destination. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge was a regular at Providence games and also attended some practices. 

“I've seen the Celtics everywhere…,” Dunn said. “What they said about me is actually true, that they probably do know me more than any other team. I definitely would be comfortable (there).” 

A long night for Hamilton? 

Former UConn swingman Daniel Hamilton will likely have to wait a while to find out his draft fate. 

Hamilton, who opted to leave school after his sophomore season despite receiving advice from coach Kevin Ollie to the stay for another year, is projected to be a second-round pick at best. 

But all it takes is for one NBA team to want him. He worked out for over 10 teams. 

“Daniel is interesting because of the fact he has a big upside and he's young,” Welsh said. “He still hasn't grown into his body physically yet. Teams are taking chances on guys like Hamilton and placing them in Europe or the D-League and giving them some money and keeping them in the organization. 

“You've seen some guys move up that way and get better.” 

The versatile Hamilton, who'll watch the draft from Los Angeles area home, averaged 12.5 points while leading the team in rebounds (8.9) and assists (4.7) last season. He earned American Athletic Conference second team honors and helped the Huskies capture their first AAC tournament title, receiving the most valuable player award. 

On the down side, Hamilton is still searching for a consistent jump shot, converting only 38.7 percent from the field last season, and needs to improve his decision-making. He committed a team-high 85 turnovers in the 2015-16 season. 

If not selected, Hamilton can try to hook on with an NBA team as a free agent and play summer league basketball. 

Valentine a Dunn fan 

Count Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, who's projected to be a first round draft choice, as a member of the Kris Dunn Club. 

Dunn had 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds in Providence's 77-64 loss to Michigan State last Nov. 30 in the Wooden Classic championship game. 

“He's a great,” Valentine said. “ He's a two-end player. He really gets after it on the defensive end, which I like. He's a tough player. He doesn't back down. So that will be valuable on the next level as he competes and he has a lot of intangibles that will carry on to the next level.” 

News and notes

Providence College coach Ed Cooley greeted Dunn in the Grand Hyatt hotel lobby Wednesday after some of the top draft prospects met with the media. “He did a lot for me,” Dunn said. “Coach Cooley, on and off the court, he's one of my mentors. He's a great guy.” … Dunn has been constantly on the go in the few months. And it's only going to get crazier in the upcoming weeks. “It's a job for him now,” Seldon said. “He's busy all day.” … Fashion is a big part of the NBA Draft. Dunn plans to wear something special. “I'm not going to do anything crazy. I'm not that type of dresser. I like to keep it smooth and presentable.”

g.keefe@theday.com