Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu is suddenly a headache.
And not only for the opposition, but also for his own organization.
What to do, what to do?
Dosunmu is fully recovered from the season-ending surgery on his left shoulder he had in March, and that has been evident in the Bulls’ first three preseason games. He leads the team in scoring (16.7 points), as well as in plus-minus for the rotation regulars (plus-17), and coach Billy Donovan said he has the potential to be an elite defender. He’s also entering the final season of his contract and is set to enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
That’s a headache.
Do the Bulls have to choose between extending Dosunmu or guard Coby White, who also will be an unrestricted free agent after this season? Do they have to look to trade one of the two? Do they ride the Dosunmu-White contracts out, knowing they each could walk away and leave them with nothing in return? Do they try to give contract extensions to both players, fresh off signing point guard Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million deal?
Dosunmu doesn’t seem concerned about any of those questions. That’s not how he’s wired.
‘‘My main focus is just taking it one day at a time, not worrying about next July or whenever it is, because that’s going to happen when it’s going to happen,’’ Dosunmu said when he was asked about his contract situation recently. ‘‘Just stay in the moment.’’
His response sounded like a cliché, but Dosunmu is backing it up because he already is having ‘‘moments’’ in the preseason.
In the opener last week against the Cavaliers, the Bulls’ starters fell behind 18-6 in the first quarter. In came Dosunmu off the bench for a quick 10-point burst to stop the ship from sinking.
Then Sunday against the Bucks, Dosunmu came off the bench again to score a team-high 22 points and finished plus-11 in plus/minus.
In a crowded guard room that also features White, Giddey, Kevin Huerter and Tre Jones, Dosunmu is showing he’s a must-play and deserving of heavy minutes.
‘‘I just see myself fitting in on just doing what I do,’’ Dosunmu said of the Bulls’ logjam at guard. ‘‘Just being able to play on both ends of the court at a high level. Of course, rebounding, defending, using my length, being able to get into the paint, knocking down shots, just being somebody who is resilient. I think I can help bring that to the team and help us win as many games as possible.
‘‘I have full confidence in my abilities to go out there and impact winning. Just find a way to be on the court.’’
Donovan agreed.
The Bulls’ offseason was focused on becoming a much better defensive team, specifically one that plays with more physicality. That’s why they traded for Isaac Okoro, sending Lonzo Ball to the Cavs in July.
But Okoro can’t carry the defense alone, and that’s where Dosunmu comes in. While White, Giddey and Huerter can fit into the Bulls’ defensive mindset, they aren’t exactly known as lockdown defenders. In Dosunmu, Donovan sees a player who can be.
‘‘I think one guy that has the potential and ability to be an elite defender but hasn’t gotten there yet is Ayo,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘If you look at his defensive metrics, they certainly don’t add up to what he’s capable of, in my opinion.’’
If Dosunmu makes that jump and becomes a true two-way threat, what will that do to his price tag? The Bulls might find that out soon.
A headache, indeed.
NOTE: Coach Billy Donovan said guard Coby White (strained calf) won’t play in the preseason, but the hope is to have him ready for the start of the regular season Oct. 22.
