How the Bulls Point Guard’s Speed Can Unlock His True Potential with the Team
Ayo Dosunmu has always been recognized for his lightning-quick first step and ability to turn defense into fast-break opportunities. However, in the midst of a crowded Chicago Bulls backcourt, his speed has often gone underutilized in half-court sets and late-game situations. When Dosunmu pushes the tempo, he becomes a nightmare for slower defenders and helps the Bulls create easy scoring chances, something the team sorely needs given its offensive inconsistencies. Rather than confining him to a catch-and-shoot role or corner spacing, head coach Billy Donovan could unlock Dosunmu’s full potential by designing more transition-based plays and giving him extended ball-handling duties. Dosunmu’s speed isn't just a physical tool, it’s a tactical weapon waiting to be deployed consistently.
In transition, Dosunmu's speed is most lethal. He excels at grabbing defensive rebounds or steals and pushing the ball upcourt before defenders can get set. His ability to finish through contact, pull up mid-stride, or find open shooters on the wings makes him a valuable asset in an offense that too often slows to a crawl. During the season, the Bulls hovered around the bottom of the league in pace, limiting opportunities for their athletic guards to shine. Incorporating more run-and-gun possessions when Dosunmu is on the court could both energize the team and catch opposing defenses off guard.
In the half-court, Dosunmu’s speed can still be a major advantage if paired with the right spacing and pick-and-roll actions. When he attacks off the dribble, he forces defensive rotations and opens up lanes for dump-off passes to bigs like Nikola Vučević or corner threes for shooters. However, too often, he’s relegated to off-ball duties where his burst is neutralized. Elevating him into a secondary playmaker role, especially when Josh Giddy or Coby White rest, could lead to a more dynamic offense and greater development. If the Bulls want to maximize his value, they must trust him to create with the ball more often.
Ultimately, Dosunmu has all the tools to evolve into a premier two-way guard, but the key lies in letting him play to his strengths. His speed can change the rhythm of a game, dictate the pace, and breathe life into a team stuck in offensive mud. It’s not about turning him into a high-usage star overnight, but about giving him the freedom to impact games the way he did at Illinois, fearless, fast, and in control. With smart adjustments from the coaching staff and confidence in his evolving court vision, Dosunmu could become one of the Bulls’ most reliable weapons. As the organization looks ahead, resetting the standard in the 2025 offseason will mean creating a system that maximizes young talent like Dosunmu, not limits it. All it takes is a green light and a team willing to let him run.
