Chicago Bulls' young star, Josh Giddey, has been navigating a challenging season since bouncing back from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old point guard, who inked a four-year, $100 million deal last September, started the season on fire, even flirting with his first All-Star appearance before his setback in late December.
Since his return, Giddey's journey has been anything but smooth. While he continues to showcase glimpses of his All-Star potential, the Bulls' roster shake-up at the trade deadline has left him working to establish chemistry with a nearly revamped lineup. This upheaval has contributed to a winless February for Chicago, and Giddey hasn't quite regained the external recognition his pre-injury performances deserved.
Despite the turbulence, Giddey secured the 61st spot on The Ringer's Top 100 NBA Players list, the sole Bull to make the cut. The publication noted Giddey's undeniable talent but highlighted the need for Chicago to construct a team that fully leverages his unique playmaking abilities. His natural passing skills demand a more intentional approach than the Bulls' current strategy.
Earlier in the season, Giddey was ranked 75th on the same list, climbing to 48th in November. However, injuries and team dynamics saw him drop to 55th and later to 61st in subsequent months.
In his first 30 games, Giddey was averaging impressive numbers: 19.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 8.9 rebounds per game, with a solid 38.6% shooting from three-point range. The Bulls managed a balanced 15-15 record during this period, despite injuries to key players like Coby White and Isaac Okoro.
Post-injury, Giddey's stats have dipped across seven appearances: 13.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 40.5% overall and 27.6% from beyond the arc. However, there's optimism that he can bounce back. His 27-point performance against the Pistons, where he shot 10-for-16, hints at his potential resurgence, though it was flanked by less impressive outings against the Raptors and Knicks.
Giddey's journey this season underscores the complexities of returning from injury and adapting to team changes. Yet, his talent remains evident, and with the right support, he could once again rise to the heights he reached earlier in the year.