Why Ayo Dosunmu is Chicago’s most underrated player. Dosunmu’s value to the Bulls goes beyond points and flashiness.
Why Ayo Dosunmu Is Chicago’s Most Underrated Player
Ayo Dosunmu’s value to the Bulls goes beyond points and flashiness. Though not a household name like Giddey or White, Dosunmu’s contributions epitomize the kind of “glue guy” play teams covet — reliable defense, smart decision-making, and timely scoring. He isn’t the first player fans think of when discussing Bulls strengths, but that’s precisely what makes him underrated.
Dosunmu’s role has shifted over his career, and in the 2025-26 season he’s frequently been asked to adapt to various lineups, the type of flexibility that doesn’t always stand out in standard fan debates but is essential on the court. Coaches value players who can guard multiple positions, navigate switches, and stay engaged for all 48 minutes — areas where Dosunmu excels quietly.
Statistical Value Beyond Headlines
While stars like Giddey and White post bigger numbers — both averaging roughly 19.2 points per game this season — Dosunmu’s contribution is more nuanced and team-oriented. Depth players who run effective rotations, make the right pass at the right time, and provide defensive grit often slip through the cracks of mainstream coverage.
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Dosunmu’s efficiency and basketball IQ are frequent topics among analysts discussing underrated Bulls assets. Though his per-game scoring is lower than Chicago’s primary scorers, his ability to impact winning possessions, facilitate ball movement, and contain opposing guards adds a strategic layer to the Bulls’ rotation often overlooked in mainstream fan discussions.
How His Play Helps the Bulls Compete
Chicago’s current .500 record and competitive Eastern Conference positioning is a team effort — and Dosunmu plays a large, if often subtle, part. Whether initiating offense when primary ball handlers are resting or rotating defensively to cut off penetration, his presence stabilizes Bulls lineups. That consistency is a quiet but critical element in close games and late-game defensive stands.
Analysts have pointed to Dosunmu in past seasons as one of the league’s most underrated players — not just on the Bulls but in the NBA overall — noting that his all-around contributions are undervalued compared to traditional scoring numbers.
Oct 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) warms up before an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesCredit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Conclusion: Ayo’s Quiet Yet Impactful Role
In a squad where scoring stars and flashy triple-double nights earn attention, Ayo Dosunmu represents the underrated backbone of the Bulls’ rotation. He may not dominate highlight reels, but his smart play, defensive tenacity, and team-first attitude make him arguably the most underrated player on the Chicago Bulls in 2025-26 — and a core reason why the team stays competitive through adversity.