The Chicago Bulls sent shockwaves through the NBA preseason with a bold lineup change for their matchup against the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. With starting guard Coby White sidelined for the remainder of the preseason, head coach Billy Donovan made a surprising move, opting to bench veteran Tre Jones, who had started in White’s place during a recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Instead, Donovan turned to fifth-year guard Ayo Dosunmu, signaling a potential shift in the Bulls’ rotation as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Ayo Dosunmu Steps into the Spotlight
Dosunmu, who joined Josh Giddey, Issac Okoro, Nikola Vučević, and rookie sensation Matas Buzelis in the starting lineup against Denver, seized the opportunity to showcase his growth. The 25-year-old guard, who averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 49% shooting across 46 appearances last season, is no stranger to stepping up when called upon. However, this move underscores his transformation into a pivotal piece of Chicago’s plans to return to the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
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“I think I’ve played pretty well,” Dosunmu said after the game. “I’m playing confident in my game. I spent a lot of time this offseason rehabbing… my body feels great; I feel great. I was able to see the game in a different perspective, and that helped me coming back.”
Dosunmu’s newfound perspective stems from a challenging period last season when a fractured shoulder sidelined him for the final two months. The injury, his first major setback in four NBA seasons, forced him to miss significant time but also fueled his mental resilience. “When you have something you love taken away from you, it makes your mind stronger,” Dosunmu reflected. “I’m more appreciative of the game, going through shootaround… it’s something that gives me an edge.”
Donovan’s Bold Experiment
Coach Billy Donovan’s decision to start Dosunmu over Jones, a recent acquisition from the San Antonio Spurs, reflects his willingness to experiment during the preseason. Donovan praised Dosunmu’s fearless approach and basketball IQ, noting, “What I love about Ayo is he’s fearless. He’s really savvy and making really good reads.” The move also allowed Donovan to evaluate how Dosunmu could handle a larger role, especially with key departures like Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball reshaping the Bulls’ roster.
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Dosunmu, now in his fifth NBA season, has embraced the challenge. “Going into Year 5, it’s all about watching film, watching other guys in the league, and using that to my advantage,” he said. “I always knew it was part of the process.” His preparation has been meticulous, with a focus on studying game film to refine his decision-making and angles on the court, likening his approach to that of a quarterback or pitcher.
The Rise of an “Unguardable” Prospect
While Dosunmu’s promotion stole headlines, the inclusion of rookie Matas Buzelis in the starting lineup added another layer of intrigue. The 6’10” forward, drafted by the Bulls in 2025, has already earned a reputation as an “unguardable” prospect due to his blend of size, athleticism, and skill. Facing the Nuggets, Buzelis represented Chicago’s investment in a new era of versatile, dynamic talent. Paired with Dosunmu’s savvy playmaking, Giddey’s facilitation, Okoro’s defensive tenacity, and Vučević’s veteran presence, this lineup offered a glimpse of the Bulls’ potential to disrupt opponents in the regular season.
A Playoff Push on the Horizon?
The Bulls’ preseason win over the Nuggets may not count in the standings, but it provided valuable insights into Donovan’s vision for the team. With Dosunmu stepping into a starting role and young talents like Buzelis making an impact, Chicago is signaling a shift toward a faster, more aggressive style of play. “I’m looking at how I can impact the game,” Dosunmu said. “That’s how I’m going into the season—like quarterbacks, pitchers, I’m watching film, knowing when to go, learning angles, always being in attack mode.”
As the Bulls aim to reclaim a spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, Dosunmu’s emergence as a starter could be a game-changer. His resilience, coupled with Donovan’s trust, positions him as a cornerstone of Chicago’s revamped identity. Whether this lineup shakeup becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ayo Dosunmu is ready to answer the call.