Bulls’ Bold Bet: Josh Giddey’s Quest for NBA Stardom
The Bulls’ front office is thrilled with Josh Giddey’s impact in Chicago. The 22-year-old Australian point guard is showing exactly why the Bulls traded fan favorite Alex Caruso to get him—he’s breathing new life into a team desperate for change.
“My job is just to make these guys’ lives easy,” Giddey tells me during our sit-down interview. His words might be humble, but his impact on the court speaks volumes. The Bulls are now playing at the NBA’s fastest pace, launching three-pointers at a historic rate for the franchise.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Giddey is putting up career-best figures:
- 14.7 points per game
- 44% shooting from three-point range
- 6.3 assists per game
- 7.1 rebounds per game
“[Giddey] plays exactly how we want to play,” stated Bulls General Manager Marc Eversley about their new acquisition. The team passed up offers of multiple first-round picks for Caruso to land the young Australian, a move that raised eyebrows around the league.
The path to Chicago wasn’t straightforward for Giddey. In Oklahoma City, his role had diminished during the playoffs, leading to some tough conversations. “I was a bad teammate, to be honest,” he admits, reflecting on his bench time during the Thunder’s playoff run. “I was so caught up in myself.”
A turning point came through an unexpected source—veteran forward Markieff Morris. Their brief exchange after a playoff game resonated with Giddey, as it taught him to distinguish between off-court challenges and on-court performance.
The Bulls see Giddey as more than just a replacement for Lonzo Ball. He’s part of a youth movement alongside Coby White, Patrick Williams, and Ayo Dosunmu—all under 25 years old. The team’s new strategy is clear: run fast, shoot threes, and let their young point guard orchestrate the offense.
Coach Billy Donovan delivered a clear message to the team: “We don’t run; we’re done.” It’s that simple. If we run, we’ll have some fun.”
Looking ahead, Giddey faces a crucial year. He’s playing for his next contract, with estimates suggesting he could earn up to $45 million annually if he maintains his current form. The Bulls haven’t offered an extension yet, making him the highest 2021 draft pick (No. 6) without one.
For both Giddey and the Bulls, the stakes are high. The team is trying to avoid a complete rebuild, while their young point guard aims to prove he’s worth a major investment. Early signs suggest this partnership might be exactly what both sides needed.
“We’ve got pieces,” Giddey says confidently. “We are all buying into what we’re trying to do here.”
All eyes will be focused on the Bulls’ bold experiment as they continue their season. Under Giddey’s leadership, the Bulls are leveraging their youth, speed, and prolific three-point shooting to potentially return to NBA prominence.