Chicago Bulls who have a lot to prove this season

Bulls players who need to step up their game in the next season

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls front office has put a lot of faith in this roster, deciding to give it another shot at proving it can contend in the incredibly loaded Eastern Conference. This places pressure squarely on the shoulders of some key players on this Bulls squad. Here are two players who will need to step up this season for the Bulls to have any chance of returning to the NBA Playoffs.

Ayo Dosunmu

Dosunmu was once the toast of Chi-Town after his stellar rookie campaign that saw him get named to the All-Rookie team despite being the 38th overall pick. With starting point guard Lonzo Ball sidelined in January 2022 due to a serious knee injury, the Illinois product was thrust into a starting role and flourished, averaging 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

Despite starting 51 games in his sophomore season, Dosunmu was eventually replaced down the stretch by veteran Pat Beverley as his previously reliable three-point shooting suddenly faltered. Now, heading to this third year as a pro, Dosunmu is part of a logjam at guard that includes Coby White, Alex Caruso, Dalen Terry, and the newly acquired Jevon Carter.

“Even though just a year has passed, the hype that accompanied Ayo Dosunmu at the tail end of his rookie season has all but evaporated. Granted, that happens when the shooting percentages dip and the defensive intensity is no longer novel and a bit more hidden on a Chicago Bulls squad that could only win 40 games. Dosunmu can still prove himself an impact rotation player on a postseason lock, but he hasn't done so yet,” Adam Fromal of Bleacher Report said.

Zach LaVine

The spotlight will be on Zach LaVine, the All-Star wingman, in the upcoming season. As both the highest-paid player and franchise cornerstone, LaVine must raise his game to new heights for the Bulls to remain competitive. Furthermore, he must demonstrate that his individual brilliance can translate into collective triumph, proving his value to the team.

“Regressing as a passer and failing to assert yourself on defense isn't an ideal combination, but that's what happened to Zach LaVine last year as he ended his two-season string of All-Star appearances. More importantly, the uber-athletic guard has made the playoffs just once in nine seasons, and that experience ended one round into the '22 tourney,” Formal continued.

Zach LaVine entering Year 🔟 pic.twitter.com/MxseqtaNQN

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 3, 2023