Josh Giddey solid yet unspectacular for Bulls

• Points per game: 11.9 (105th)
• Rebounds per game: 6.4 (50th)
• Assists: 6.9 (12th)
• FG%: 45.3 (83rd)

Australian point guard and Boomers starter Josh Giddey, in his third NBA season, is continuing to establish himself as a versatile playmaker for the subpar Chicago Bulls (10-15). Despite some inconsistent scoring, his all-around game and ability to facilitate makes him a valuable piece of the Bulls' rotation.

Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey, famous for his flowing locks on the fast break, to the Chicago Bulls in 2024 in exchange for former Los Angeles Lakers guard and defensive specialist Alex Caruso. Josh Giddey was selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Giddey is showing flashes of All-Star potential — his best game of the season was a dominant triple double in a 128-102 demolition of the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2024. He finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in 32 minutes on 9-from-17 from the field but just 1-from-8 from three.

He was well on the way to another triple double before badly twisting his ankle in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors on December 17, 2024. Giddey had 11 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 24 minutes. But he's has been day-to-day since.

The Bulls have split the two games he's been out against the Boston Celtics.

Below is an analysis of his performance during the 2024-25 season so far.

Strengths

1. Playmaking and Court Vision
   • Average APG: 6.4 (12th in the NBA)
   • Giddey excels as a facilitator, consistently finding teammates in scoring positions. His ability to create offense makes him a cornerstone of the Bulls' ball movement.
   • Standout Performance: Against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 8, 2024, he recorded 13 assists, demonstrating his elite playmaking abilities.
2. Rebounding for a Guard
   • Average RPG: 6.4
   • Giddey's rebounding is a key asset, especially for his position. He ranks 55th overall in rebounds, often helping the team secure possessions and initiate fast breaks.
   • Standout Performance: On October 29, 2024, against the Memphis Grizzlies, he grabbed 13 rebounds and another 13 against fellow Australian Ben Simmons and the Nets in a rock solid triple double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
3. Efficiency in Key Games
   • In games where Giddey has shot efficiently, his impact has been significant. For example, his 20-point, 11-rebound performance on October 31 against Orlando was pivotal in a close win as well as the blow-out win against the Nets where he went 9-from-17 from the field.
4. Free-Throw Improvement
   • FT%: 71% (44-of-62).
   • While not exceptional, his free-throw shooting has improved from earlier in his career, helping him better capitalise on trips to the line.

Areas for Improvement

1. Inconsistent Scoring Output
   • Average PPG: 11.9
   • Giddey’s scoring numbers are modest for a starting guard in the NBA. Although he’s efficient in spurts, his scoring impact is inconsistent, with several single-digit performances through 27 games for the Bulls.
   • Struggles: Scored just 5 points on 22.2% shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 21, 2024
2. Three-Point Shooting
   • 3PT%: 31.0%
   • While improved from past seasons, Giddey’s three-point shooting remains a work in progress. His reluctance to sometimes take open looks or his low-volume shooting from deep occasionally limits the Bulls ability to space the floor.
3. Turnovers
   • Turnovers Per Game: 2.6 (ranked 41st overall)
   • Giddey’s high assist numbers come with a cost — turnovers. Cleaning up decision-making under pressure will be critical as he continues to evolve as a primary ball-handler.
4. Defensive Presence
   • Steals and Blocks: 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
   • Giddey’s defensive impact is modest. He could improve in on-ball defense and disrupting plays in passing lanes to complement his offensive contributions.

Summary

Josh Giddey’s playmaking and rebounding prowess are the backbone of his game, making him an invaluable asset for the Bulls. However, his inconsistent scoring and defensive limitations are areas that could be addressed to elevate his game further. At 22 years old, Giddey remains a rising talent, and his potential to become a more complete player is evident. He is starting to settle in at the Bulls and once he's back from injury it's all upside for the Victorian.

Grade: B-

Giddey has been solid. His contributions as a facilitator and rebounder are critical, but for the Bulls to maximise his impact, he needs to become a more consistent scorer and address his defensive shortcomings to ensure he stays in the game down the stretch far more often.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.