In June last summer, the Chicago Bulls executed their first trade in over three calendar years by adding Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Alex Caruso. At the time, it was a heavily scrutinized move, as many believed that Chicago would have been more profitable accepting the first-round draft selections they had reportedly been offered just months prior at the trade deadline in February. Nonetheless, they dumped an aging Caruso for a 22-year-old developmental project, hoping he'd be the franchise point guard for the next decade. After several months of mixed reviews on the newcomer, here's a realistic review of Giddey in a Bulls uniform.
Rough Start To His Chicago Career
The NBA has become an instant gratitude business. Trades are executed with the expectation of immediate impact and results, head coaches are hired and fired within a few seasons if the influence isn't monumental, and draft choices are written off within a year or two if their production isn't top-notch. Giddey's lackluster start to his Bulls tenure brought loads of pessimism and backlash to Arturas Karnisovas and the organization. Through three months, the new franchise player was only averaging slightly more than ten points per outing, shooting 30% from three-point land, and was a complete liability defensively, so much so that he was not in the closing five in clutch time.
The Billy Donovan lip service can only do so much. They’re not closing games with Giddey on the floor and they likely never will. He has a place on this team, but they cannot pay him like he’s a franchise building block. https://t.co/F7kDmV1B1S
— Zark (@ZarkTweets) November 16, 2024
Giddey was behind the eight ball to begin his Chicago stint. The city has longed for their first playoff series win in a decade, saw first-round draft stock offers decline for Caruso, and then was exposed to a newcomer who was not performing as advertised.
Post-LaVine Era Stardom
Zach LaVine being traded at this year's trade deadline signified that Chicago had committed to the rebuild and invested in Josh Giddey. Since his departure, the young point guard has blossomed into his new role, effectively being the all-around star the Bulls have needed for the last five years. He's posting an All-Star caliber of 19.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in eight appearances this month. Perhaps the most impressive figure is his 48.8% clip from three-point land, up from 30%. Those averages will continue to climb; through the first half of action tonight, he's flexing a 17-10-5 stat line and is 1-for-1 from deep.
Josh Giddey in the first half vs Philly:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 25, 2025
17 PTS
10 REB
5 AST
3 BLK
Joins AD and KG as the only players with those numbers in a half since 2000. pic.twitter.com/zM2bg0AAMV
Because of his struggles last year and to start this season, Josh Giddey hasn’t been given the love he has been as a playmaker
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) February 25, 2025
But don’t get it twisted, he’s a special passer
Not everyone can make half-court lobs look this nonchalant pic.twitter.com/8XFhevvyVQ
With the increased usage and opportunities granted to Chicago's young point guard, he's taken full advantage and likely secured his next contract. If he can sustain these numbers for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, would you endorse a lucrative extension to be the Bulls' point guard of the future?
