The Chicago Bulls are optimistic about new trade acquisition Josh Giddey, as seen by their decision to trade Alex Caruso for him.
Giddey came over after demanding a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who approached him about playing off the bench next season. In Chicago, he expects to be the team’s major playmaker.
The 22-year-old former #1 selection delivered a statement to the organization after they accepted his request.
He thanked Thunder owner Clay Bennet, EVP of Basketball Operations and General Manager Sam Presti, and Head Coach Mark Daigneault.
“Okc… “Thank you for everything,” Giddey wrote on Instagram on June 21. “To the city for welcoming me from day one. I am eternally thankful to Mr Bennett, Sam, and Mark for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my ambition of becoming an NBA player. My brothers, with whom I shared the floor for three years. I couldn’t have imagined a better collection of guys. Stayed with me through the extremely highs and the very lows. You all know the real me. I am forever in gratitude to Oklahoma, and no words can express how much the city and organization mean to me and my family.”
Giddey’s teammates filled the comments with support.
He is anticipated to play a significant role as the Bulls’ lead guard. However, they will need him to make major progress in a few crucial areas.
Bulls Need Josh Giddey to Shoot.
Last season, Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. However, his inefficiency and hesitancy to shoot put the Thunder at a disadvantage in the playoffs.
Giddey had a career-high 33.7% on 3.0 attempts this season. The Bulls will delegate his development in that area to Director of Player Development Peter Patton. It is a huge responsibility, as Giddey enters the final year of his rookie deal and restricted free agency approaches.
According to NBA.com, he shot 36.7% on catch-and-shoot attempts throughout the postseason.
In addition, he has a lifetime free throw percentage of 75.3%. This includes a career-high 80.6% this past season. But, like his three-point shooting, volume is an issue.
Giddey made 1.6 free throws and 7.1 drives per game in 2023-24. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s command of the ball was a contributing factor. However, his deficiencies left the Thunder with a depleted offensive lineup in the playoffs. That’s bad news for the Bulls, who are struggling to score three points.
Giddey’s defensive effort is likewise inconsistent, highlighting the larger issue.
Insider Highlights ‘Biggest Issue’ for Josh Giddey
“If you’re not a shooter and have the ball in your hands, you have to be able to finish at the rim or you’re never going to be the No. 1 ball-handling option on a successful NBA team. And if you can’t be that, if your team is ever going to be successful or great, you’ve got to be a No. 2, No. 3, or No. 4 player on a solid NBA team,” Zach Lowe said on “The Lowe Post” podcast on June 21.
“There is no proof that he can be that either. The lack of strength and explosiveness in his game on both sides of the floor, I believe, has been the single largest question mark surrounding him and the single biggest reason why people, including myself, are doubtful that he will ever become the No. 1 offensive fulcrum on a championship team.”
Caruso was not that either, despite being named to the All-Defensive Team twice in a row. However, Giddey’s expiring deal is significant given his unclear ceiling.
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