Reasons why the Chicago Bulls re-signed Ayo Dosunmu

What made the Chicago Bulls re-sign rising star guard Ayo Dosunmu?

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There have been plenty of comments about the re-signing of reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu to a three-year, $21-million-contract. Now the fifth guard in a loaded Chicago Bulls backcourt, there are legitimate concerns about the young guard who needs reps and minutes to properly develop in the NBA. However, there are also credible reasons why the Bulls opted to re-sign the Illinois product.

Two-way potential

While the 6-foot-5 guard surprised a lot of people with his poise when he took over the starting point guard role after Lonzo Ball injured his knee early in 2022, his sophomore season was uninspiring, plagued by inconsistency and inaccurate perimeter shooting. Despite that, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic believes that re-signing Dosunmu was a wise move by the Bulls.

“It might be an overpay, but the Bulls were wise for keeping him. They’re better with Dosunmu than without him. And how bad would it have been if the Bulls let him get away only to watch the Chicago native and Illinois product bloom elsewhere?” Mayberry wrote.

Setting aside his lackluster shooting during his second year, Dosunmu has showcased enough of his two-way potential in the 157 games that he’s played so far in his NBA career.

“Dosunmu has legitimate two-way player potential. He’s a blur when deciding to attack the basket, a competent catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter and capable of defending three positions. He can orchestrate the offense, slide off the ball or play down one more spot in three-guard lineups. Dosunmu also is a vocal leader, unafraid to challenge even DeMar DeRozan,” Mayberry added.

The most upside

The Bulls may have a loaded backcourt with the presence of Coby White and Jevon Carter. Both of them are experienced and have equally-impressive skills, not to mention three-point shooting prowess, but Dosunmu may have the inside track on the starting role, given his size and versatility.

“With his return, Dosunmu should be in the thick of a three-way battle for the starting point guard role. White and Carter, you can bet, also want and believe they’re qualified for the job. White is the youngest, edging Dosunmu by a month. But Dosunmu’s mix of size at the position, defense, shooting and playmaking might translate to him having the most upside,” Mayberry said.