Three players that could help lift the Chicago Bulls this season

Because DeMar, Zach, and Vooch can’t do it all by themselves.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are coming into the new season with as much hope as they have questions. While the high-scoring All-Star trio of DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine will provide a nightly stream of points and highlights, other players on the roster could help take the Bulls to the next level this season.

After tasting the NBA Playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade last season, Chicago has heightened expectations. While those mentioned above will surely play significant roles in helping the Bulls attain their goals, these other three players could prove to be just as crucial and help propel the team to new heights in 2022-2023:

Ayo Dosunmu

Let's start with the newest addition to the Bulls' starting five — sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu. The 22-year-old hometown kid is no stranger to playing with the starters. After all, he was the one who replaced Lonzo Ball when he went down with a knee injury in January. Fast forward to the start of the 2022-2023 season, and Ball remains out, recovering from another surgery on the same knee.

Enter Dosunmu, who is more than ready to step up and take on a bigger role for the team. With his elite athleticism, silky smooth shooting touch, and strong defensive instincts, Dosunmu has all the tools to lead Chicago back into playoff contention this season.

Patrick Williams

The preseason has not been kind for the Bulls' fourth pick back in the 2020 draft. After a lackluster first game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Williams was immediately supplanted by Javonte Green, and the 29-year-old journeyman has taken the baton and ran with it, seemingly with the starting power forward spot with him, thanks to his high motor and efficient scoring.

All is not lost for the Florida State product as he finished the preseason with a flurry, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 32 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks. Bulls head coach Bill Donovan has yet to name a starting power forward for the regular season, but if Williams continues to play at this level, he might be too difficult to keep off the court.

Andre Drummond

And finally, we come to hulking big man Andre Drummond. The 29-year-old center has suddenly become a journeyman after starring for the Detroit Pistons earlier in his career, but he has quickly become a fan favorite in Chicago. Drummond is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, whether it's his defensive intensity, rebounding prowess, or his inside scoring.

While he might not have the athleticism he once had, Drummond will play a key role in manning the middle, especially on the defensive end of the floor. With Nikola Vucevic not known for his defense, Drummond will be relied upon to anchor the Bulls' interior defense and help lead Chicago back into playoff relevancy.

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— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 12, 2022