The Next Triple-Double Machine? How Strong Is 22-Year-Old Josh Giddey?

In the fast-paced world of the NBA, where superstars often dominate the headlines, a young and rising star has been quietly establishing himself as one of the most exciting players to watch: 22-year-old Josh Giddey. Known for his versatility, elite passing, and rebounding, Giddey has turned heads in the second half of the season, particularly with his remarkable all-around performances for the Chicago Bulls. In a recent victory over the Miami Heat, Giddey put together an astonishing stat line: 28 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in 40 minutes of play, leading his team to a 119-111 win. This game marked his seventh triple-double of the season, an achievement that ranks him among the league’s elite. With such a stellar performance, it’s clear that Giddey is making a statement, and his growth this season may just signal the rise of a future superstar in the NBA.

This impressive performance was not an isolated incident. Giddey has been a constant force for the Bulls since being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 22-year-old guard is no longer just a promising young talent; he is becoming the centerpiece of the Chicago Bulls’ rebuilding effort. Giddey’s performance on the court has made it clear that he possesses the tools to become one of the league’s premier all-around players, and his rise has been one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.

Before his trade to Chicago, Giddey faced a tough situation in Oklahoma City. Playing alongside fellow young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Giddey often found himself in a secondary role, which limited his opportunities to fully develop his game. In the postseason, he struggled under the spotlight. In a first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Giddey was often targeted by Mavericks coach Jason Kidd due to his lack of shooting ability. Over six games, he averaged just 6.1 points and 1.3 assists per game, playing fewer than 20 minutes in some games and even relegated to the bench in the final two contests. His playoff struggles exposed some glaring weaknesses, particularly his lack of a consistent jumper, and led to his eventual trade to the Bulls.

At the time, many questioned whether the Bulls were getting enough value in return for sending out veteran defender Alex Caruso. The trade was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move for Chicago, as they only had to part with Caruso without giving up any draft capital. However, with Giddey’s rapid development since arriving in Chicago, it’s clear that the Bulls were making a savvy investment in their future.

Since arriving in Chicago, Giddey has flourished. After DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine were both traded, Giddey was given more responsibility and has excelled in the increased role. In the 19 games following the All-Star break, Giddey has posted averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, nearly averaging a triple-double. His shooting has improved dramatically, with his field goal percentage jumping to 50.0% and his three-point percentage rising to 45.7%, a significant improvement from earlier in the season. His free throw shooting has also been stellar, at 80.9%. Over this stretch, Giddey has been one of the most efficient players in the league, with a true shooting percentage of 62%.

The numbers tell only part of the story. Giddey’s presence on the floor has been transformative for the Bulls. With him on the court, the team’s offensive rating jumps significantly, scoring 121.2 points per 100 possessions, while the defense remains strong, allowing just 110.8 points per 100 possessions. When Giddey is off the floor, the team’s offensive rating drops to just 109.2 points per 100 possessions, and they are outscored by an average of 4.3 points per game. This is a clear indicator of Giddey’s importance to the Bulls’ success. In the 19 games since the All-Star break, the Bulls have won 12 of them, including victories over top teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers. Perhaps most notably, Giddey hit a memorable game-winning half-court shot against the Lakers, a moment that solidified his status as a clutch performer.

Giddey’s combination of size, basketball IQ, and court vision has made him one of the most intriguing young players in the league. Standing at 6’8” and playing as a point guard, Giddey has the unique ability to rebound, facilitate, and score. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he can handle the ball and make plays for his teammates, while also being able to score effectively in a variety of ways. His improved shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has made him a more complete offensive player and opened up new dimensions to his game. However, his biggest strength remains his passing. Giddey’s ability to read the floor, make precise passes, and find teammates in scoring positions is reminiscent of some of the best playmakers in the league, and his 9.3 assists per game since the All-Star break show just how impactful he is as a facilitator.

While Giddey’s progress has been impressive, it is his potential that is most exciting. With the ability to average nearly a triple-double, Giddey is positioning himself as a future All-Star and potential MVP candidate. His ability to impact the game in so many areas makes him a rare talent in today’s NBA, where the focus is often on scoring and shooting. Giddey’s all-around game is reminiscent of some of the greats in NBA history, with comparisons often being made to players like Luka Dončić and Ben Simmons—though Giddey’s unique skill set sets him apart.

Looking ahead, the future is bright for Giddey. At just 22 years old, he is already one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, and he has the potential to continue improving in the coming seasons. His scoring will only get better as he refines his shot selection and becomes even more comfortable with his jump shot. His passing and playmaking are already at an elite level, and as he gains more experience, he will only get better at reading defenses and finding open teammates. His rebounding ability, particularly for a guard, sets him apart from other young players and shows his tenacity and versatility.

Off the court, Giddey is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most promising young stars in the NBA. His ability to step into a leadership role for the Bulls, even at such a young age, has impressed coaches, teammates, and fans alike. As the team’s primary playmaker, Giddey has become the face of Chicago’s future, and the franchise is relying on him to lead them back to relevance in the Eastern Conference. With the possibility of a long-term contract extension on the horizon, Giddey’s rise could coincide with the Bulls’ return to playoff contention.

In terms of his development, Giddey still has room to grow. His shooting consistency, particularly from the three-point line, will be key to unlocking his full potential. While his ability to get to the basket and create plays is already exceptional, a more reliable jumper will make him even more dangerous. However, at just 22 years old, Giddey is already ahead of the curve in terms of his all-around game, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to refine his skills as he matures in the league.

As the 2023-2024 season progresses, expect to see more of the dynamic and versatile Josh Giddey. With his continued improvement, he could very well be the next player to join the exclusive club of players who average a triple-double. Whether or not he reaches that feat, one thing is certain: Josh Giddey is becoming one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, and the future looks incredibly bright for him and the Chicago Bulls.