“22-Year-Old Phenom Takes the Chicago Bulls by Storm: Is This the Next NBA Superstar? 🌟🏀”
young Chicago Bull star is pushing himself to get legitimate playing time.
Several Chicago Bulls have had varying degrees of success over four preseasons, but no one celebrated more success last season than one young point guard. While Coby White has lit up the scoreboard, he’s shown those skills up front, scoring 20 or more in just three games last season.
Another youngster, Ayo Dosunmu, has fallen under the radar of many but has put up respectable numbers in the early stages of 2023. Last night’s game against the Toronto Raptors was no exception, and while he lacked the late momentum to top the sub-30- things in seconds, he put together another impressive outing in Chicago. Where does he fit in the lineup and will he make the starting five? Become a gadget gamer
In early 2023, Dosunmu is approaching the versatile player the Bulls hoped Patrick Williams would become. Averaging 8.5 points, 3.8 assists, three rebounds and just 1.3 turnovers per game, his ability to make an impact in multiple areas of the game has taken a significant leap since 2022. A season ago, he averaged 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 turnovers while starting 51 out of 80 games. He was the best choice to fill in at any point guard, shooting guard or even small forward spot during Chicago’s season-long injury battle.
Dosunmu is finding his way into the rotation with undeniable determination, visible improvement in his offensive and defensive skills, and growing confidence. He’s shooting 50% from the field through four games in the season opener, including 36% from deep, which is a jump from his 31.2% 3-pointer mark on the season.
Raising the previous one
Last season, Dosunmu played for his future in Chicago. After returning to a team-friendly contract, he now plays the starting job in the NBA. Although he started 58% of his 157 career games in relief, his role was often limited to the bench. Averaging just 26 minutes per game in his young season with the Bulls, the court may see a slight bump this year due to the early increase in production.
If White secures the opening game, his leash will be short and the second unit will have a hungry and more developed Dosunmu. His size, defense and rebounding are undeniable in 2023, and with plenty of scoring in the starting lineup, more intangibles may be needed alongside the big three sooner rather than later.
The former Chicago Illini kid’s attention to team-centric details is promising. Aggressiveness in attacking the rim allowed the perimeter shooters to get open looks from three-point range, which every lineup needs for the Bulls. Last in the league in three-point attempts the past two seasons, any attempt to create three-point opportunities is welcome and encouraged in Donovan’s game plan.
Could Ayo Dosunmu break into the starting lineup at some point this season? The 23-year-old goaltender’s third season already looks like one of the most exciting prospects for the Chicago Bulls in recent years. The fourth and final preseason game is tomorrow at the United Center, where Dosunmu will try to defend his position one more time before the regular season begins.
