Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 19. Ayo Dosunmu, Hornets
Ayo Dosunmu immediately became an important part of the Bulls’ rotation en route to a top-6 finish in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets desperately need defensive-minded players who can also contribute to the free-flowing offense that roster is destined to play, almost no matter the coach.
For Dosunmu, the fit is obvious. He’s always going to have trouble creating his own offense and “running the show” in a traditional sense, but he’s an excellent passer and capable (if limited) spot-up shooter who can make connective players in an offense that also features the likes of LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges. On defense, he can defend either guard spot and help provide some backbone to the Hornets’ notoriously flimsy resistance.
He’s a ready-made NBA player, and the Hornets need someone in Dosunmu’s mold. There’s a lot of offensive talent on that roster and just not much else. You need players who can impact the game without dominating (or even touching) the ball, and Dosunmu fits the bill.