The Chicago Bulls are performing brilliantly this season.
The legendary Windy City team has a chance at making it through the Eastern Conference and to the NBA Finals.
While many people cite the stellar season that DeMar DeRozan has had, it’s undeniable that the success of Billy Donovan‘s squad has been a team effort.
There are many working parts that come together to help this team succeed – and one of them is Lonzo Ball.
Ball has been – forgive the pun – balling this year, with an average of 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists a game.
He’s really come into his own and has become the player we always hoped he’d be…so of course he just got injured and will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.
Injury Update: Lonzo Ball will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to return in 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/MPCSAqHoly
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 20, 2022
If the Bulls hope to keep racking up victories in his absence, which other guards need to step up and fill the void?
2. Coby White
Coby White has been getting a lot of minutes for the Bulls lately, showing that he’s a great fit for the team.
With an average of 12.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, White deserves more of the spotlight.
However, those stats are still below Ball’s so he will need to nudge them up a bit.
He will also need to study the way Ball is always thinking three or four steps ahead of the competition.
White needs to tweak his play-style and refine what he’s doing but it cannot be denied how much potential this young man has.
What is most exciting about White is the thought of what he will be able to do alongside Ball once he returns.
A healthy Ball and White on the floor together could be very dangerous to the rest of the NBA.
1. Ayo Dosunmu
Ayo Dosunmu has shown flashes of brilliance all season but he’s really come alive recently.
In fact, in the last few games, Dosunmu has put up 21, 15, and 18 points with 10, six, and eight assists.
Over the last five games, Dosunmu is also shooting 53.8 percent from the three-point line and has a field goal percentage of 63.2.
In other words: wow.
Expect those numbers to go down as he gets more minutes but there’s plenty to like about Dosunmu aside from just his stats.
He has serious enthusiasm and vision and is a great team player.
Dosunmu crafts wonderful plays and works terrifically in tandem with the rest of the squad.
He is also known for his defensive skills, something that is sometimes lacking with a guard.
Bulls rookie guard Ayo Dosunmu makes his debut on ESPN Rookie Power rankings thanks in large part due to his on ball defense. Taking on the challenge of trying to check several All-Stars while playing an efficient style on offense. https://t.co/gyvdOchhuH pic.twitter.com/dlrbr8v1o9
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 19, 2022
Offense and defense are the two main reasons why the Bulls should lean on Dosunmu as Ball recovers.
Remember the beauty of the Bulls is that they work together – that will have to continue in the weeks ahead.
Both White and Dosunmu will help greatly but, really, the entire team needs to step it up.
The season isn’t over just because Chicago is losing Ball for a while.
However, it comes at a time when the team is trying to cement its superiority in the East.
With the help of White, Dosunmu, and more the Bulls can continue to stay strong.
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