The Minnesota Timberwolves have been so close in recent years, and Ayo Dosunmu is helping the team take the next step forward. Minnesota has appeared in back-to-back Western Conference Finals, but hasn't broken through and taken the next step forward. Dosunmu was traded for at this year's trade deadline to help.
The Illinois product and former Chicago Bull is helping in a variety of ways. After all, he is a versatile player and in the midst of a breakout season. One area where the guard is really helping is in improving upon the Timberwolves' newfound identity of playing fast. Dosunmu thrives in transition, as a player who can attack downhill and as a cutter who never stops moving. The Timberwolves are in a great place because of it.
Ayo Dosunmu's speed is pivotal for the Timberwolves
The most valuable skill set Dosunmu has provided is speed. Dosunmu is always on the move, whether it be in starting the fast break or by constantly relocating in the half-court offense. Bones Hyland is one playerwho has taken notice.Â
"I look up, and somebody is on the wing, and he's running -- that's Ayo every time," Hyland said. " Kick aheads are very important for our team... We got a great bench, man."
Hyland realizes the importance of playing fast, especially when it comes to the bench unit that can't rely on Julius Randle or Anthony Edwards to bail them out. Last year, the Timberwolves were just 29th in the league with 19.2 transition points per game. Now they are ranked 10th and score 25.4 transition points per game. Additionally, they have increased from 25th to 10th in pace.
Bench units need an identity, and they've seemingly found it. Dosunmu's energy and hustle are proving contagious for the team, and his willingness to run will likely lead to his scoring averages increasing as the regular season continues. After all, he was averaging a career high of 15 points per game before being traded.
Ayo Dosunmu was a big trade deadline acquisition for Minnesota
When the Timberwolves traded for Dosunmu ahead of the trade deadline, he was expected to take on a role similar to what Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed last year. The wing who bolted for the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason was primarily used as a 3-and-D player with the Timberwolves.
He'd primarily stand in the corner or at the free throw line extended area and knock down open 3-pointers kicked out to him from offensive teammates. He provided a little off the bounce, too, and even had a nice mid-range, but his usage on offense was far from high. Defensively, Alexander-Walker used his athleticism and length to thrive in the point of attack and against screens.
Through 10 games with his new team, Dosunmu has shown he can take on these roles, too. He is shooting 37.9 percent from deep with Minnesota, and fans can expect even more long bombs to start dropping because he was at 45.1 percent on 4.3 attempts per game with the Bulls.
Ultimately, Dosunmu's all-around skill set made him the perfect trade deadline addition.