Josh Giddey’s Return on Hold Until After All-Star Break as Bulls Navigate Guard Rotation
The Chicago Bulls will be without Josh Giddey a little longer, as the standout guard continues to recover from a hamstring strain that’s kept him sidelined since January 28. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that Giddey, along with fellow guard Tre Jones, won’t suit up for Wednesday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics.
“I don’t anticipate Josh or Tre playing Wednesday against Boston, but both guys are ramping up,” Donovan said ahead of Monday night’s 123-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. “They’re playing three-on-three, and they’re running up the court. I think the medical guys just want them to be in a place where there’s at least enough of a buildup and all that tightness has kind of subsided.”
For Giddey, this is the second time a hamstring issue has interrupted his season. He initially missed three weeks in January before reaggravating the injury during a loss to the Indiana Pacers. And while the Bulls have done their best to stay competitive in his absence, the numbers tell the story: Chicago is 17-17 when Giddey plays, but just 7-13 without him.
That drop-off isn’t surprising when you look at what Giddey brings to the floor. He’s quietly putting together a career year, averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game on .462/.366/.775 shooting.
He’s one of just three players in the league-alongside Nikola Jokic and Jalen Johnson-posting at least 18 points, 8 boards, and 8 dimes a night. That’s elite company, and it underscores just how much Chicago misses his all-around impact.
Tre Jones has been out since January 22 with a hamstring issue of his own. The sixth-year guard has been a steady contributor this season, averaging 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting an efficient .550 from the field. His absence has added another wrinkle to an already evolving Bulls backcourt.
With both Giddey and Jones sidelined, the Bulls have had to reshuffle their guard rotation. The recent trade deadline added even more moving parts, as Chicago welcomed Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and Colin Sexton into the mix. All three have taken on significant roles over the last two games-a 136-120 loss to the Denver Nuggets and Monday’s defeat to Brooklyn.
There’s optimism that both Giddey and Jones will be ready to return after the All-Star break. But when they do, Donovan will face a new challenge: finding minutes for five rotation-caliber guards. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless-especially for a team still trying to find its rhythm in a crowded Eastern Conference.
For now, the Bulls are focused on staying afloat. And while help is on the way, the next few games will test Chicago’s depth, chemistry, and ability to adapt. The All-Star break can’t come soon enough.