Josh Giddey’s return to the Bulls’ lineup is going to have to wait a little longer - at least until after the All-Star break. The versatile guard, who’s been sidelined since January 28 with a hamstring strain, won’t suit up for Wednesday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. That update came straight from head coach Billy Donovan, who also noted that Tre Jones remains out as he works his way back from a similar injury.
“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.”
Giddey initially missed three weeks in January with the hamstring issue, then tweaked it again during that Jan. 28 loss to the Pacers - a frustrating setback for a player who’s been one of the Bulls’ most impactful contributors this season. Before the injury, Giddey was averaging a career-best 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while shooting .462 from the field, .366 from deep, and .775 from the line. That 18-8-8 line puts him in elite company - only Nikola Jokic and Jalen Johnson are matching or exceeding those numbers across the league this season.
And his absence has been felt. The Bulls are a .500 team (17-17) when Giddey is in the lineup, but they’ve stumbled to a 7-13 mark without him.
Simply put: when Giddey plays, Chicago’s offense flows. When he doesn’t, things get clunky.
Tre Jones has been out since January 22 with his own hamstring strain. The sixth-year guard has quietly been a steady hand for the Bulls, averaging 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting an efficient .550 from the field and nearly .850 from the free-throw line. He’s started 20 of his 38 appearances this season and has been a key cog in Chicago’s guard rotation.
With both Giddey and Jones sidelined, the Bulls have had to get creative in the backcourt - especially after shaking things up at the trade deadline. Over the last two games, Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and Colin Sexton have all taken on expanded roles.
The results? Mixed.
Chicago dropped a 136-120 decision to Denver, followed by Monday’s loss to Brooklyn. There’s talent in that trio, but the chemistry is still a work in progress.
The good news for Chicago is that help appears to be on the way. Both Giddey and Jones are trending toward returns after the All-Star break, which means Donovan will soon have a full stable of guards - and some tough decisions to make. With five legitimate rotation pieces in the backcourt, the challenge will be finding the right combinations and keeping everyone engaged.
But that’s a problem the Bulls will gladly take, especially if it means getting Giddey - and his all-around brilliance - back on the floor.