Reflecting on the Bulls’ 2022-23 season, it wasn’t completely negative. On top of having some good defense, they had moments where they looked like a playoff team. Players like Ayo Dosunmu were a significant part of those moments. Essentially, he may not have had much time in the league, but he has had good moments.
His Career so Far
As many Bulls fans and analysts know, Dosunmu has only played for two seasons. Within those seasons, he has averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He shot 50.6% from the field, 34.4% from three, and 74.4% from the line.
Those stats aren’t ones that pop out at you but, his game is much more impactful than that. One factor to consider is that, again, he’s a young player. That means that he has room to build on his game as his career continues, in which, he’s had a strong start.
The league’s average stats for a point guard in the 2022-23 season was 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists. These averages also consisted of 44.5% from the field, 35.7% from three, and 81.6% from the line.
In comparison, Dosunmu is projected to be a good role player for the Bulls in the future. That’s a good foundation to build on.
Another factor to consider is that his production always provides some sort of energy.
Here are some of his 2022-23 highlights as shown below:
As shown above, Dosunmu is always providing some sort of lift to the team. Whether it’s making the right pass, playing good defense, or hitting momentum-shifting/sustaining shots, he’s always had a positive impact. In essence, he fits well in his role, a concept mentioned but not highlighted as much as star players. Stars are rare and entertaining, but role players are more numerous and arguably more important.
Why He’s Important
Some may think that because Dosunmu only averages 8.0 points on good efficiency, he’s decent, but replaceable. But that’s not true at all. On every team, there is always one player that it’s their job to do the “dirty work”. For instance, Draymond Green and Marcus Smart have built careers in doing so.
The Celtics may not have won anything significant yet but Smart’s impact as a defensive presence, passer, and tendency to get hot every now and then have made him a respected player. Green’s defense, vision, intensity and passing have helped him and the stars he’s played with (Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant) all win at the highest level.
In other words, having a player whose job to do the “dirty work” is an essential part of a winning team. Dosunmu is not on the levels of those players, but he’s well on track to be.
In his short time in the league, he learned how to play alongside ball-dominant stars. He may even develop aspects of their game, like LaVine’s shooting or DeRozan’s footwork.
But, regardless, he seems to be a good role player already.
Therefore, if the Bulls build a good enough team soon, Dosunmu will have developed into a fine player that knows the hustle it takes to win games.
Stay tuned for more NBA content, including midseason moves, contract updates, and more pieces about every team.
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers!
“From our Haus to Yours”