The Bulls are off to an improbable 3-0 start to the 2025-26 campaign. Sportsbooks had them as the underdog in all three matchups, and their season win total was only 32. They are one of four remaining teams without a loss. Is their formula for success sustainable? Ayo Dosunmu, one of the early bright spots for Chicago, talked postgame last night about the most significant changes within the team from years prior. Here's what he had to say, and how it translates to wins.
Team Chemistry Is Better Than Ever
Without pointing fingers or naming specific players, Dosunmu directly hinted at chemistry problems within the locker room in previous seasons. When asked about the evident team camaraderie that this young group shares, he said this unit is closer than any of which he has been a part. A Chicago product, the fifth-year guard has spent his entire career with the Bulls and has experienced mediocre results throughout his tenure. The most influential player change is the absence of Zach LaVine, who had been with the team from 2017 until February 2025. This is the first regular season that has started without the two-time All-Star guard since 2016.
Ayo Dosunmu on the Bulls’ camaraderie: “It felt special just going to dinners. This group, by far, is prob the closest group in terms of that. You know how some teams it might’ve been forced in terms of the way we clicked as fast? This group, we can go on a bus ride, we laughing,… pic.twitter.com/dgkLUr76XM
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) October 28, 2025
This isn't a surprise to the majority of Bulls fans. During the years of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, there were plenty of reports of disgruntled teammates due to the lack of ball movement, the isolation offensive style, and the ill-advised shots that the two would force. Nikola Vucevic is perhaps the most impacted; his facilitating from the middle of the floor and ability to pass from the post have been highlights this season without the constant isolation plays from prior seasons.
Young, Hungry, And Connected
Through three games this year, and for the latter portion of last season, it's easy to see the difference in this Chicago Bulls version. Assists, ball movement, pace, and shot distribution have all skyrocketed since last year's trade deadline. Dosunmu referred to this collection of players as "more of a brotherhood," even relating it to playing pickup basketball with your brothers, and the willingness to share the rock, "because that's your brother." The cohesion is easy to see with 11 players aged 25 or younger, and one of the most selfless and capable passing big men in the league, Vucevic.
Everybody eats 🍽️ pic.twitter.com/Tv0lFQQrjp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 28, 2025
From the outside looking in, there do not seem to be any personal narratives, no self-driven objectives, and a general pride in one another. This team doesn't know or care where the scoring will come from each night. One of the issues with the team is sometimes excessive passing and not enough personal aggression. For such a young and inexperienced group, that is a good problem to have.
While it did not seem that Dosunmu's objective was to take an indirect shot at LaVine, the message was clear. This group cares more about the player next to them than they do themselves, a statement that could not be truthfully upheld in seasons past. Through three games, it's leading to winning basketball between the lines.
