Josh Giddey’s Historic Run Just Got Him Paid

When Josh Giddey was traded to the Chicago Bulls, his career was at an all-time low.

The Dallas Mavericks picked on him defensively and constantly left him open in the second round of the 2024 Playoffs. Giddey was a liability and was benched for the first time in his career.

The Aussie has been having a good season for Chicago and has started in every game he has played. He has progressed in his two biggest weaknesses: defense and shooting. But after the All-Star break, Giddey has been more than good: he’s been other-worldly.

Giddey has had a 20-point double-double in each of the four games since the break. He became one of three Bulls’ guards with four straight 20-point double-doubles. The first was Clem Haskins in the 1969-70 season, the other was Michael Jordan, the greatest guard in the history of basketball.

Josh Giddey’s run isn’t just historical from a Bulls perspective. He has done something that has never occurred in a three-game span in NBA history.

Giddey has also led the NBA in double-doubles since the All-Star break. But the most impressive thing about this stretch is the ridiculous progress he has made defensively and shooting. Giddey was benched in the playoffs and subsequently traded because of his lack of defense and shooting ability. The Thunder even traded Giddey for Alex Caruso, who is known as a great defender that can space the floor.

Giddey is now shooting 71.4% from three on 5.3 attempts over his last four games, and over 50% in February. Defensively, Giddey is finally using his size. He is averaging 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game since the break and has had two games of three blocks this month.

The 22-year-old has completely flipped the narrative surrounding him from last season.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CHICAGO’S FUTURE?

Chicago has a guard-heavy roster. There were reports that the Bulls were taking calls on Coby White and Lonzo Ball at the trade deadline. The front office must decide which guards will be on the team long-term.

Chicago first chose Ball by giving him a contract extension earlier in February. Now, the choice is between Giddey and White, and Giddey is making the decision for the Bulls. He is three years younger than White and is already playing at a higher level.

Josh Giddey is a restricted free agent this offseason, and his historic run will get him paid. Chicago will probably match any offer Giddey receives unless it is outrageous. Don’t be surprised if White is dealt in the offseason while his contract is still affordable for contending teams.

The Chicago Bulls will have a nice young core of Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and whoever they draft this year. The front office now has to hit on draft picks to bring Chicago back to being a contender.