I can't say enough good things about Ayo Dosunmu and his all-around impact. After a fairly slow (albeit still productive) start with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dosunmu has found his groove recently. In his 15 games with the team, Ayo is averaging 12.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 53.6/39.6/85.7 shooting splits. Additionally, in his past four games, Dosunmu is posting averages of 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.
During Tuesday's win against the Phoenix Suns, Dosunmu filled in for Anthony Edwards in the starting lineup -- he poured in 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Ayo gave the Wolves some much-needed perimeter shot creation, thriving both at the rim and pulling up from the mid-range. He also did a terrific job of simply scoring within the flow of the offense. And while his two assists might not jump off the page, he did a great job of organizing the offense and taking on more ball-handling duties.
Since arriving in Minnesota at the trade deadline, Ayo has quickly established himself as one of the team's most dependable players. Dosunmu's ability to impact all facets of the game has predictably uplifted the Timberwolves. Whether it's finishing, connective playmaking, perimeter defense, or spot-up shooting, Dosunmu does it all.
Ayo Dosunmu has given the Timberwolves exactly what they need
Dosunmu has done a fantastic job of complementing Edwards. However, with Ant being out for at least a week, the Wolves will need Ayo to scale up and play a bigger role on offense. Tuesday is the perfect example of Ayo's ability to handle more offensive responsibilities, and I expect similar production from him without Ant.
Edwards' injury is obviously unfortunate. Regardless, it gives the Wolves' complementary players a chance to build some momentum for the playoffs. Dosunmu is clearly one of the players who will benefit the most from this increased opportunity.
Having a role player like Dosunmu, who can fit seamlessly alongside the team's stars and play a bigger role when needed, is a crucial ingredient to all championship-level rosters.
There's rightfully a lot of uncertainty about the Timberwolves' chances to put together another deep playoff run. Nevertheless, Ayo's well-rounded impact gives me some level of confidence about the Wolves in the playoffs. Before the trade deadline, the Timberwolves' bench was a clear weak point, but Dosunmu has helped transform it into a relative strength.
In a playoff setting, the Wolves will especially benefit from the extra defense, finishing, and outside shooting that Ayo provides. Another nice wrinkle that Dosunmu has given the Wolves is the ability to push the pace, a playstyle that perfectly suits Ant-Man and Jaden McDaniels.
Depending on the series and game, the Wolves will need to lean on certain aspects of Ayo's skill set more. Simply put, there's no area of the game that Ayo doesn't positively affect.
Overall, it seems like with each passing game, Ayo becomes more comfortable with the Timberwolves, and his impact continuously jumps off the screen. By all accounts, trading for Dosunmu was a wonderful move for Tim Connelly, and it might just change the trajectory of the Wolves' season.