Ayo Dosunmu has proven to be a savvy acquisition for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brought in from the Chicago Bulls in February alongside Julian Philips in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks, Dosunmu has bolstered the Timberwolves' bench with his consistent two-way play.
In just 15 games with Minnesota, the 26-year-old guard is averaging 12.1 points on an impressive 53.6% shooting. While his scoring numbers have seen a slight dip, Dosunmu feels he has more freedom with the Timberwolves compared to his time under Billy Donovan with the Bulls.
“In Chicago, midrange shots were really prohibited. It was threes and layups. No midrange shots unless it's the end of the shot clock,” Dosunmu shared in a video with Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore.
The presence of Rudy Gobert setting screens has opened up opportunities for Dosunmu to explore his midrange game. Moore highlighted that Dosunmu has already attempted 12 midrange shots with Minnesota, compared to just four in 45 games with Chicago this season.
“Dosunmu took 86% of his shots in Chicago at the rim or from three. In Minnesota, he's becoming a three-level scorer,” Moore noted.
While many teams have moved away from midrange shots due to their perceived inefficiency, Dosunmu is embracing the challenge and showcasing this often-overlooked skill.
Here's Ayo Dosunmu talking about what he's reading in pick and roll coverage and why he's taking more midrange shots in Minnesota after those were prohibited in Chicago.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 18, 2026
"In Chicago, midrange shots was really prohibited. It was 3s and layups, no midrange shots unless it's the… pic.twitter.com/LtGKsRjVqN
In their recent victory over the Phoenix Suns, where Minnesota triumphed 116-104 at Target Center, Dosunmu stepped up with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists, filling in for Anthony Edwards, who is out with a knee injury.
With Edwards possibly sidelined for two weeks, Dosunmu's role will be crucial as the Timberwolves prepare to face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.