Ayo Dosunmu was the best steal of the 2021 NBA Draft

Jan 24, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks to guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) between plays against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Chicago won 111-110, Ayo Dosunmu is the best steal of the 2021 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

When the Chicago Bulls selected Ayo Dosunmu, they found the steal of the 2021 NBA draft.

The dictionary defines the verb steal as taking an item “without permission, while not intending to return.” This is a fitting description of the Bulls’ maneuver in obtaining the rights to Dosunmu.

Players who can step in right away and make an impact on the pro level are supposed to be reserved for teams with a lottery pick. Chicago did not have a great draft position, yet they obtained a player who was NBA-ready and is already producing. And, in accordance with the definition, the organization has no intention of returning him to the teams that passed him up.

Ayo Dosunmu was selected 38th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has outperformed many of the rookies who were drafted ahead of him.

Last season, a dismal stretch of games after the All-Star break ruined the team’s chances of qualifying for the play-in tournament. This season, the team is currently second in the Eastern Conference with a legitimate shot at finishing in first place.

While the “Big 3” of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević are the most important factors in the team’s success, the role players have all stepped up and done their part as well. That includes Dosunmu.

Ayo Dosunmu is a Chicago native who is living out his dream of playing for the team he grew up rooting for. So far this season, he’s been the surprise of the draft while making himself a valuable part of Coach Donovan’s rotation. Let’s take a closer look at why Ayo Dosunmu is the biggest steal of this year’s rookie class.