Ayo Dosunmu's recent comments have sparked an intriguing discussion about the Chicago Bulls' offensive strategy under Billy Donovan. Dosunmu, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, revealed that midrange shots were essentially "prohibited" during his time in Chicago. While not a literal ban, this approach highlights a significant aspect of the Bulls' offensive philosophy.
The emphasis on three-pointers and layups isn't surprising in today's NBA, where efficiency reigns supreme. In fact, during a thrilling 152-150 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Bulls didn't attempt a single midrange jumper, according to the official shot chart.
This aligns with Donovan's focus on creating optimal shooting opportunities, a strategy that fits well with the Bulls' fast-paced style. Donovan has consistently emphasized the importance of outshooting opponents from deep.
This approach makes sense in the modern game, where the midrange shot is often undervalued unless executed by elite players. Donovan did make exceptions for stars like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who excel in the midrange and were given the freedom to operate there.
Donovan's philosophy isn't about banning the midrange but rather playing to the strengths of his players. He acknowledged that the current Bulls roster lacks elite offensive firepower, making it crucial to focus on high-efficiency shots. The absence of a quality screener, like Nikola Vucevic, further complicates midrange opportunities, as it limits the team's ability to create space off ball screens.
Vucevic, known for his midrange prowess, saw a decline in such attempts during his time with the Bulls, shifting more towards three-point shots. This trend reflects Donovan's emphasis on shooting efficiency.
The current Bulls roster doesn't feature a standout midrange shooter. With Vucevic gone, Anfernee Simons leads the team with 11.4% of his shots coming from midrange, highlighting a gap in the team's offensive arsenal.
Dosunmu's transition to Minnesota has allowed him to expand his game, becoming a more versatile scorer. His midrange attempts have surged since joining the Timberwolves, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in a different system.
Donovan's strategy isn't about suppressing the midrange but maximizing efficiency within his high-tempo system. However, the Bulls might benefit from a player who can create and convert midrange shots, providing a crucial option in late-game situations or when the three-point shot isn't falling.
In the end, while the focus on threes and layups maximizes offensive potential, having a reliable midrange threat could be the key to unlocking the Bulls' full offensive capabilities, especially in crunch time.