Truly Impressive! A Late-Blooming Talent Delivers: From 12+6+4 to 20+9+9, $30 Million Contract Locked

In the world of professional basketball, there are moments when a player’s true potential seems to manifest all at once, catching everyone by surprise. For Josh Giddey, the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, that moment appears to have arrived in 2025. Just a few seasons ago, the Australian guard was seen as a raw talent, a young player full of promise but lacking the key components to truly break through in the league. However, Giddey’s journey has taken a remarkable turn in recent months, transforming from a player struggling to find his footing to one of the most exciting young stars in the NBA today.

Giddey first garnered attention during the 2018 NBA Global Academy event, where his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ stood out. At just 15 years old, he had already grown to 6’8” (1.93m), and his ability to handle the ball, make pinpoint passes, and read the game was impressive for someone of his age. The NBA’s international scouting staff even predicted that Giddey would one day make an All-Star team. It didn’t take long for him to prove them right, as he went on to dominate in the NBA Global Academy and helped lead his teams to several championships, winning MVP honors along the way. By the time he was 18, Giddey was already making the jump to the professional ranks, putting up solid numbers and catching the eye of scouts across the league.

In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Giddey with the 6th overall pick, a move that excited many who saw potential in the young guard. However, over the next few seasons, Giddey’s progress seemed to stall. Despite his impressive size and skills, Giddey struggled to adapt to the faster pace of the NBA. His lack of elite speed, poor defense, and underwhelming shooting ability were all areas that raised questions about his future. As the Thunder looked to build a championship-contending team around their young star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey’s growth was a concern. He was often left open on the floor due to his inability to knock down shots, and his defensive limitations made him a target for opposing teams. The Thunder were forced to pick up the slack for him on both ends of the floor, and Giddey’s inefficiency on offense often led to awkward situations where his teammates found themselves in a 4-on-5 disadvantage.

By 2024, Giddey was being compared to a player like D’Angelo Russell — a player with great promise but lacking the necessary tools to become a consistent star. As the Thunder entered a key phase in their rebuilding process, they made a bold move, trading Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran guard Alex Caruso. The trade signaled the Bulls’ belief that Giddey still had untapped potential, even though the market value for the 22-year-old was much lower than it had been just a couple of years earlier.

The early months with the Bulls were far from spectacular. While Giddey improved in some areas, such as his rebounding and turnover control, his offensive efficiency remained troubling. Despite his impressive 9.3 rebounds per game in December and his assist-to-turnover ratio improving, his shooting remained a significant weakness. With a true shooting percentage hovering around 50%, Giddey was near the bottom of his position across the league, struggling to make an impact when his team needed it most.

But then something changed. As the Bulls began a rebuilding phase following the trade of Zach LaVine, Giddey’s role became more prominent. With increased usage, he began to showcase a side of his game that had been hidden for so long. From February onward, Giddey looked like a completely different player. His three-point shooting, a major flaw throughout his career, became a weapon. In just a short stretch, Giddey hit 30 three-pointers, posting a remarkable 53.6% shooting from beyond the arc. His scoring, which had hovered around 12 points per game for much of the season, skyrocketed to 19.8 points per game during this stretch. More importantly, Giddey’s all-around game flourished. His defense became more aggressive, and he recorded an impressive 15 steals and 12 blocks over 11 games. His rebounding and playmaking also improved, with Giddey averaging 9.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists in March alone, with a true shooting percentage nearing 60%.

Giddey’s resurgence didn’t just benefit his own game — it elevated the entire Chicago Bulls squad. The Bulls, led by Giddey’s playmaking and scoring, went on a 7-3 run in March and secured a spot in the play-in tournament. His +4.5 net rating for the month was a testament to his growing impact on both ends of the court. In the blink of an eye, the player once thought to be a bust had become the centerpiece of the Bulls’ offense, and Chicago’s future now seemed tied to his success.

As the summer approaches, Giddey’s market value has skyrocketed. The Bulls, once hesitant to invest heavily in the 22-year-old, are now fully committed to his development. According to reports, Giddey is seeking a $30 million annual salary — a number that now seems entirely reasonable given his recent performance. While the Bulls were initially unsure about offering such a large contract, it now seems likely that they will meet his demands. Giddey’s impressive turnaround has earned him the trust and support of the Chicago fanbase, and there is little doubt that the Bulls are ready to reward him with the kind of deal that reflects his newfound status as one of the league’s rising stars.

Giddey’s transformation from a struggling young player to one of the NBA’s most promising talents is a testament to his work ethic and determination. Despite the early struggles and setbacks, Giddey has found a way to turn his game around and deliver when it matters most. With a combination of size, skill, and newfound confidence, Giddey has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls’ rebuild. As his contract negotiations loom, there’s little doubt that the 22-year-old has firmly established himself as a key player for the Bulls and a star to watch in the years to come.

For now, though, the focus is on Giddey’s future. With the Bulls’ playoff hopes alive, he has the chance to show the world that his recent surge is no fluke. His performance over the next few months could very well determine whether or not he becomes one of the league’s next superstars — and whether he’s able to secure that lucrative $30 million contract that once seemed out of reach.