Former Bulls center Joakim Noah is not an easy man to impress. After all, the former Defensive Player of the Year has played with numerous elite players, notably the youngest player to win the Most Valuable Player trophy — Derrick Rose. However, Noah did take notice of sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu and expressed his approval of the young player.
Noah was in attendance for the Bulls' season-opener
After playing 13 years in the NBA, the two-time All-Star hung his jersey up for good in 2020. He admitted to not watching a lot of NBA games in person. However, he was in attendance for the Bulls' season-opener against the Miami Heat at the FTX Center in Miami. It didn't take long for him to take a liking to Dosunmu — the 22-year-old Illinois served as Chicago Bulls' starting point guard on Wednesday.
Dosunmu did not disappoint as he compiled 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in 36 minutes of action. Ranged against the veteran guard Kyle Lowry, Dosunmu was unfazed as he went toe-to-toe with the six-time NBA All-Star.
"I like the kid, Ayo. First NBA game I've seen in years. Bulls are looking good," said Noah.
An excellent test to start the season
Dosunmu knew that the Heat had their number last season. They failed to get a win in four tries and lost their two matches in Miami by a combined 39 points. So, for the Bulls to come out and win on the road in their first game of the season was a big deal, especially considering they were up against one of the best defensive teams in the league.
"On the road, first game, second season, no better opportunity to get better than against the Miami Heat because they are a very grimy organization with a lot of veterans who play at the highest level," said Dosunmu.
"They are one of the teams going to be there fighting for a championship. For us to compete and play how we played was a good showing. But we have to continue to get better," he added.
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