There was a flurry of mixed emotions when the Bulls executed their first trade in over three years, swapping defensive specialist Alex Caruso for the 21-year-old point guard Josh Giddey from Oklahoma City. On the one hand, Chicago had effectively surrendered any chance at immediate contention by shipping away an All-NBA caliber defensive guard. On the other hand, Arturas Karnisovas and company had finally committed to a youth movement and some form of a rebuild in the Windy City. It was past due after missing the playoffs each of the last two seasons with minimal roster changes. Now on the world’s biggest stage, the Bulls’ starting point guard is showing off for the entire basketball world.
Among all guards, Giddey is in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists, joining former teammate and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and former G-League MVP Carlik Jones to make that claim. He’s averaging 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per showing on nearly 54% from the field and over 45% from three-point land. Luka Doncic recently noted that collecting statistics, especially scoring, is more challenging internationally due to the unique rules, including no defensive three seconds in the paint violation. Posting these statistics against two top teams at the Olympics in Spain and Canada is an impressive feat for the young Australian guard.
Dillon Brooks has often been labeled as a player who imposes his will physically more than through his performance on the court. He frequently picks fights on the court and never backs down from an altercation, and his 17 career technical fouls in the NBA would agree. His latest target was Australia’s Josh Giddey, who refused to back down to Brooks’s antics. While guarding the 21-year-old guard full-court, Giddey lowered his shoulder and head straight through the chest of the Canadian wing, creating a bit of a backcourt scuffle.
Usually, there is more bark than bite with the Houston Rockets forward; in this case, the collision didn’t amount to much. It is good to see Giddey not surrender to a fellow NBA player and stand his ground, something he historically may not have done. Now that he will be one of Chicago’s cornerstones for years, his toughness will hopefully reflect the Chicago Bulls’ image.
Australia must beat Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece on Friday morning to keep their Olympic medal hopes alive. Giddey’s stellar play on the grand stage is an optimistic segway into his first season with the Bulls. Also eyeing the return of Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, Chicago’s hopes are rising with each passing day.
Can Josh Giddey lead his home country to the upset victory and stay alive in the hunt for their second consecutive medal finish and only second in the country’s history?
