Ayo Dosunmu predicted to defy the odds for the Chicago Bulls this coming season

The prospect of incoming third-year pro Ayo Dosunmu gaining a spot in the guard rotation of the Chicago Bulls is slim. After all, the Illinois product is coming off a sophomore season wherein his three-point shooting percentage plunged to 31 percent, rendering him ineffective as a floor spacer.

Add to that the Bulls' re-signing of the much-improved Coby White, the acquisition of former Milwaukee Bucks sparkplug Jevon Carter, and Dosunmu figures to be the fifth guard in a packed rotation. However, an expert from Bleacher Report figures Dosunmu will find a way to barge into Billy Donovan’s rotation.

Sophomore struggles

While Dosunmu’s counting numbers were nearly identical to his rookie production (8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 51 starts), it was his three-point shooting that dipped. Whereas he shot a robust 37 percent in his rookie season, he made only 31 perfect last season, which was part of the reason why midseason acquisition Patrick Beverley replaced him in the starting lineup late in the regular season.

Though Beverley is gone, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason, the Bulls backcourt got more crowded.

"Chicago has since crowded the backcourt in a way that could have him primed for another disappointment. He might wind up fifth in the guard rotation—behind Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, Jevon Carter and Coby White—or even sixth if Dalen Terry suddenly shows signs of life," Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote.

Resilient guard

Buckley explained that it's not prudent to take Dosunmu for granted. After all, he's defied the odds before, becoming only one of two second-round picks in NBA history to make the All-Rookie team in 2022.

"The same relentless play that powered him into a larger-than-expected role as a rookie could have him quieting his naysayers once again,” Buckley asserted. “He has legitimate two-way player potential, and if he hits the ground sprinting in training camp, he could even challenge for the starting point guard spot."

Despite getting a new contract from the Bulls this offseason, Dosunmu remains as hungry as ever. It’s a determination that stems from the belief that he should have been picked higher than 37th.

"There's not 37 people better than me," Dosunmu said when he was drafted. "Each and every day, it motivates me. Thirty-seven people drafted ahead of me. Of course. That's motivation every day."