The Bulls had many young guards level up their game at the end of last season, but unfortunately Chicago native Ayo Dosunmu was not one of them. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in March that kept him out of the team’s most successful stretch but now he’s ready to return with a vengeance and have his best season yet.

Ayo Dosunmu will thrive at full health

Two seasons ago, Dosunmu seemingly took a big leap and established himself as a great complimentary piece at backup shooting guard. That season, the third of his young career, he averaged 12 points per game on 50% from the field and 40% from three. Despite playing the most logjammed position on the team (along with Coby White and Zach Lavine), Dosunmu showed that he could be a reliable contributor.

Last season, he took a step back and his efficiency dropped while his scoring output stayed the same. Dosunmu shot just 33% from the field last season although he kept his overall shooting percentage solid at 49%.

Dosunmu had an injury-riddled season in 2024-25. Even before the shoulder issues which ended his campaign prematurely, he had a host of other nagging injuries including a calf/soleus issue that caused him to miss time in January. In total, he played just 46 games after averaging 78 games played in his first 3 NBA seasons.

A return to better 3-point shooting will pay massive dividends for Dosunmu on the current Bulls team. With Josh Giddey to push the pace and find him for open looks, Dosunmu will get the best shooting opportunities of his career. If he’s able to creep back towards 40% beyond the arc and keep his confidence as he increases his 3-point rate, Dosunmu can easily average a career high in points next season.

Now more than ever, head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls as a whole seem ready to lean into a run-and-gun playstyle, which Ayo can fit right into. He’s great in transition, either shooting quick 3s or attacking the rim.

Ayo can also help the team tremendously on defense. Over the last few seasons, he’s shown more defensive upside than almost anyone on the Bulls. Unsurprisingly, the team still lacks defenders and will appreciate any help it can get on that end.

The Bulls finally showed some fiscal responsibility this offseason when they negotiated with Josh Giddey. They’ve made it clear they won’t give young players whatever they want without showing a skillset that helps the team win. The best thing for Ayo Dosunmu to secure his next contract and have a breakout season is to establish himself as a 3-and-D guard, which is a very coveted archetype around the league.