Cavs’ Evan Mobley cements status as ROY favorite in latest Ladder

Is Ayo Dosunmu the steal of the 2021 NBA Draft? Duh

Admittedly, after the Cavs drafted Evan Mobley with the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, I tuned out, to some extent. The Cavs had their guy, and I was happy going forward.

However, I didn’t realize until the next day that former Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu had slipped to the second round. Not only was he not an immediate selection in the second round, he wasn’t picked up until pick #38 by the Bulls.

Before the draft, scouts questioned his finishing ability and his athleticism. On top of that, his jumper wasn’t great and his range was pretty limited. But, he was a real floor general for a good Illinois team last year, and I didn’t really understand why people were down on him.

Sure, he was a little bit of a “tweener,” meaning he had good size for a point guard, but might be better off playing off the ball. Regardless, to me he was a certified winner and had the look of a longtime successful NBA player. So, now after he’s had a great season thus far, with people asking if he’s the steal of the draft, I answer simply: duh.

Yes, there were reasons to question his transition to the NBA game, but he was a successful college point guard at a power five program, who played with passion and energy, and oh yeah, averaged over 20 points per game his junior year. He has been a key player for a surging Bulls team this year, too. The Bulls have the chance to do a lot in the postseason if DeMar DeRozan keeps playing at the level that he is. If that is the case, Dosunmu will have to play a big part.

Either way, right now the Bulls front office have to be chuckling amongst themselves that they landed a top 10 rookie, in the middle of the second round.