Second-year Bulls point guard Ayo Dosunmu has a chance to be the team’s starter at the position, at least until the return of a surgically repaired Lonzo Ball later in the season, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
Though Alex Caruso, the stronger defensive player, will most likely take over ball-handling duties to close out games, Caruso’s aggressive approach on defense (he was whistled for five fouls in a preseason game Tuesday) may compel head coach Billy Donovan to ensure he remains available to close out games — starting Dosunmu at the point would allow Caruso to avoid getting into early foul trouble.
Caruso has taken Dosunmu under his wing, imparting sage advice on the younger player.
“He’s a helluva player so there’s not too much you have to tell him about his game to get him going,” Caruso said. “Just make sure he stays motivated and ready.”
There’s more out of the Windy City:
- An MRI on the knee of Bulls reserve guard Coby White did not indicate any long-term damage, and he is set to suit up for Chicago’s next preseason contest Friday, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. The Bulls will face off against the Denver Nuggets for their second game of the 2022 preseason.
- Backup Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. expressed his enthusiasm about having returned to Chicago as a free agent this summer, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “Once me and Coach (Donovan) had a conversation on the phone, it was a no-brainer,” Jones said. “I felt like we left a lot on the table last year and I wanted to come back and see if we could have another run at it… (Donovan) told me just to be me, be physical in the paint, get downhill as much as I can, take the shots that I get and just be aggressive.” Johnson notes that Chicago opted to bring Jones back after ‘tweener forward Danilo Gallinari agreed to a deal with the Celtics and the Bulls were unable to add oft-injured veteran forward T.J. Warren, who joined the Nets on a veteran’s minimum contract.
The Chicago Bulls are a team that could have to make the “Play In” slot vs. “Lottery Balls” decision.
DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso are a pair of pieces that could be highly enticing to a contending team.
DeRozan could obviously put a team over the top.
Caruso’s defense, energy and versatility off the bench could be enough to put the right team over the top.
Caruso will not be dealt unless they feel Ayo and Terry can provide that level of pestering.
DeRozan is indeed at peak value now and has provided the max mentorship value he could by now. I would trade him for an expiring and some picks or pick swaps if they are looking at play in instead of top 6 at the trade deadline.
Ayo needs to ball this year, get better at passing, improve his shot selection, and consistently hit the open 3.
O wait thats Lonzo.
Would be great if he magically turned into Lonzo. Fingers crossed.