The Chicago Bulls are in a tough spot right now. Sitting at 10-15 and having dropped nine of their last 11, the team is searching for answers on both ends of the floor.
Their most recent loss - a 104-114 defeat - only added to the growing tension within the rotation. But as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, there's one bright spot they can count on: Josh Giddey.
Giddey has been a steady presence in an otherwise inconsistent season. While the Bulls’ recent showing against the New Orleans Pelicans left a lot to be desired, Giddey still managed to post 11 points. Coby White stepped up with a much-needed 20-point performance, and Kevin Huerter chipped in 16, but beyond that, the supporting cast struggled to make an impact.
The good news? According to the latest injury report, Giddey is expected to suit up tonight against Cleveland.
That’s a major boost for a Bulls team that needs every bit of playmaking and leadership it can get. However, there are still question marks surrounding the availability of Ayo Dosunmu and Lachlan Olbrich, both of whom are dealing with lingering issues that could affect the rotation.
Giddey’s importance to this team can’t be overstated. After signing a big extension over the summer, he’s played in 23 games so far this season and is putting up near All-Star level numbers - 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. He’s also shooting a respectable 39.8% from deep and 47.8% from the field, showing growth in efficiency that the Bulls badly need in their offensive sets.
While the Bulls have struggled offensively - scoring 105 points or fewer in five of their last seven games - Giddey remains a central piece of what they’re trying to build. The team’s defense has been shaky all year, particularly when it comes to protecting the rim, and their offensive execution has often lacked rhythm and spacing. Giddey’s ability to create for others and control the tempo is one of the few constants in a season full of turbulence.
And while the team’s record doesn’t reflect it, Giddey’s individual performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He recently earned a spot on ESPN’s Top 25 Under 25 list, coming in at No.
- It’s a small win in a season that hasn’t offered many - but it’s also a reminder that the Bulls have a 23-year-old cornerstone who’s already producing at a high level.
Giddey ranks among the league leaders in both assists and triple-doubles, and while that stat line is impressive on its own, what matters more is how he translates that production into wins. For now, the Bulls are still searching for consistency, but with Giddey on the floor, they at least have a fighting chance to find it.