The Bulls are in the market for a new backcourt partner for Jimmy Butler, and one of their top targets is a hometown kid who’s been overlooked by NBA scouts.
The chicago bulls rumors is a topic that has been covered in depth. There are many different stories surrounding the Chicago Bulls and their upcoming season.
In the NBA, second-round draft selections don’t typically get much attention. This is particularly true for a club like the Chicago Bulls, who made a flurry of offseason moves in the hopes of making a playoff run this season. Nonetheless, Ayo Dosunmu has the appearance of someone who will play a significant part in Chicago.
When it comes to the NBA draft, accomplished college players like Dosunmu may go unnoticed because NBA officials prefer younger players with greater potential. Dosunmu’s NCAA resume, early preseason performance, and work ethic, though, make him a guy to keep an eye on in the Bulls’ backcourt.
After starring at the University of Illinois, the Chicago Bulls chose Ayo Dosunmu in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
As part of the Nikola Vucevic deal, the Chicago Bulls surrendered their first-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft to the Orlando Magic. As a result, they only had one opportunity to choose which fresh talent would be added to the roster.
The hometown child was chosen by Chicago.
Ayo Dosunmu, a Chicago native and University of Illinois star, was selected 38th overall by the Bulls. Dosunmu was a great prep star at Morgan Park High School before transferring to Champiagn and became the Fighting Illini’s best player.
Dosunmu’s outstanding season earned him a spot on the Wooden Award finalist list. He led the Big Ten in scoring and assists, averaging 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Dosunmu’s height, length, and skill level made him a terror for opposing guards, and he was especially good in transition and moving without the ball.
Despite being a second-round selection, Dosunmu is already displaying the qualities that made him a collegiate great.
Dosunmu is off to a great start in the preseason.
Is it conceivable that the Chicago Bulls have a steal in the NBA Draft of 2023? That seems to be the case based on Dosunmu’s preseason performance.
In his first three games, Dosunmu hasn’t seen much play, but he’s scored effectively and produced huge baskets at critical moments. In the last seven minutes of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the former Illinois standout scored nine points on 4-of-7 shooting, effectively propelling the Bulls to victory.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, among others, have complimented Dosunmu, with LaVine describing him as bold and eager.
NBC Sports Chicago quoted LaVine as saying, “He (Dosunmu) doesn’t have any fear at all, offensively or defensively.” “He bombards you with inquiries. He definitely asks more questions than any other rookie I’ve ever met, both on and off the court. As a result, he wants to study.”
LaVine is the backcourt’s focal point for the Bulls. As the team’s new point guard, Lonzo Ball has looked excellent, while Alex Caruso, as one of the team’s top perimeter defenders and a powerful off-ball mover, could play a key role.
In light of recent Bulls injuries, Dosunmu may ultimately soak up minutes and become an useful two-way player while the emphasis is elsewhere.
As a result of recent injuries, he has emerged as a key Bulls reserve.
On August 14, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ayo Dosunmu poses for a picture during the 2023 NBA rookie photo session | Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Because of his defensive prowess, Alex Caruso will almost likely receive his minutes. Even if Coby White is healthy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ayo Dosunmu take some minutes from the 2019 first-round selection.
Dosunmu has shown greater scoring variety and efficiency in the midrange, an area where White — who is now out with a shoulder injury — has struggled. His ability to finish makes him a more difficult opponent at the rim, and he can create plays for cutters or rolling bigs. As someone who chases the passing lanes, he also possesses a higher defensive awareness than White.
Dosunmu should at the very least get a look with White and Patrick Williams both out with injury. It wouldn’t be surprising if he took advantage of the chance and developed into a more significant member of head coach Billy Donovan’s rotation.
CBB Reference and NBA.com provided the statistics.
The chicago bulls draft rumors is a hot topic for the Chicago Bulls. A local kid, who was overlooked by many scouts, could be a major backcourt boost for the team.
