Thursday’s swapping of Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey with the Oklahoma City Thunder resulted in a flurry of emotions from Chicago’s fanbase. Some were relieved that Arturas Karnisovas finally pulled the trigger on a trade, most were pleased it was in favor of getting much younger, and some were upset that the Bulls didn’t nab any draft capital in the process. This afternoon, 21-year-old Giddey met Chicago’s media group for the first time and answered several questions regarding his future with the team and where he’ll fit with the franchise. What are the main bullets from his session, and does this ignite a fire of excitement in the Windy City again?
Giddey was well-spoken in his initial presser and sounded very mature for a college-aged kid. When asked what his role would be for the Bulls, he said it was to relieve some of the pressure off his teammates and “make the game easy for everyone else,” something he did very well in Oklahoma City.
Giddey has started all 210 to open his career, a streak he was not looking to break. The emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into last season’s MVP conversation slowly phased Giddey’s services out of the lineup, which he admitted forced a change from his natural role. By the end of their postseason run, Giddey only averaged 13 minutes a game and came off the bench. Although he hasn’t discussed his role with the Bulls organization at length to confirm he’ll be in the starting five, it’s safe to assume he’ll be the starting point guard.
Sticking with the same response he’s had since news broke last season of his alleged improper relationship with an underage girl, Giddey acknowledged that Chicago’s media members were being respectful in asking but declined to give any further comments on it. The Newport Beach Police Department and the NBA closed investigations last season, and no wrongdoing was found.
Another great answer from their youngster was his response to being benched in last season’s playoff run for his lack of three-point shooting offensively and his below-average defensive abilities. Rather than being upset with the coaching staff or his teammates, Giddey took the opportunity to self-reflect, saying it left a “sour taste” heading into the summer that has fueled him to get better and make himself “valuable in those moments.” At only 21 years old, he’s already played in more postseason action than nearly the entire Chicago Bulls roster.
Of course, Giddey had to end the press conference with a goosebump-inducing moment, saying he’s most excited to play in the historic arena the Bulls call home and that the fans relentlessly support the team regardless of the standings or the circumstances. Another answer Bulls fans love to hear, and hopefully one that’ll spark some newfound hope into the United Center.
The entirety of Josh Giddey’s first Chicago Bulls press conference can be viewed below:
