Josh Giddey, the Chicago Bulls’ newly minted point guard of the future, is poised for a breakout season after signing a 4-year, $100-million contract extension. The 23-year-old Australian has faced his share of challenges, both on and off the court, but his recent performance and newfound mentality suggest he’s ready to silence doubters and cement his place as a cornerstone for the Bulls. After navigating off-court turmoil and a rocky departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey’s resurgence feels not just possible but inevitable.
Giddey’s early career draws parallels to another tall playmaker, Ben Simmons, whose trajectory serves as both a cautionary tale and a benchmark. Like Simmons, Giddey entered the NBA as a jumbo-sized facilitator, prioritizing playmaking over personal scoring. Both players, at their peaks, dazzled with their court vision and ability to create for teammates. However, Simmons’ reluctance to develop an offensive game—most notably his aversion to shooting—led to his downfall with the Philadelphia 76ers and now threatens his NBA relevance.
Giddey, too, faced criticism for his lack of aggression in Oklahoma City. In the 2024 playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks exploited his pass-first tendencies, sagging off him and daring him to shoot. His hesitancy to take open threes or attack the rim led to reduced minutes and, ultimately, his trade to Chicago. But unlike Simmons, whose offensive limitations became a career-defining flaw, Giddey has shown signs of evolution.
Last season marked a turning point for Giddey. While his shot volume remained consistent with his OKC days, his efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, improved significantly. Giddey’s three-point shooting percentage climbed, and his confidence grew as the season progressed. This newfound aggression allowed him to keep defenses honest, creating more space for his playmaking and opening up the floor for his teammates.
The Bulls, recognizing Giddey’s potential, locked him in as their point guard of the future. His ability to run an offense, combined with his improved scoring mentality, makes him a unique asset in today’s NBA. At 6-foot-8, Giddey can see over defenses and deliver pinpoint passes, but it’s his willingness to attack that will determine his ceiling.
Ben Simmons’ career serves as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when a player fails to adapt. Simmons, once a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a max-contract star, became a liability in crunch time due to his refusal to shoot. His infamous pass out of a wide-open layup against Trae Young in the 2021 playoffs remains a defining moment of his decline. Now, Simmons struggles to find a roster spot, a humbling fall for a former No. 1 overall pick.
Giddey, by contrast, has already shown he’s willing to address his weaknesses. His improved three-point shooting, while not yet elite, is leagues ahead of Simmons, who famously celebrated his first career three-pointer as a rare event. More importantly, Giddey’s growing confidence in attacking the rim and taking contested shots signals a shift in mentality. He doesn’t need to become a sharpshooter to succeed—just a consistent scoring threat who keeps defenses guessing.
Giddey’s journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Off-court controversies in Oklahoma City tested his resilience, drawing scrutiny and adding pressure to his young career. Yet, Giddey has handled the adversity with maturity, focusing on his game and letting his performance speak for itself. The fresh start in Chicago offers a clean slate, and the Bulls’ faith in him—evidenced by the lucrative extension—suggests they believe in his ability to rise above past challenges.
For Giddey to fulfill his potential, he must maintain the aggression and confidence he displayed last season. The Bulls’ offense will run through him, and his ability to balance playmaking with scoring will be critical. If he continues to develop his outside shot and attacks the rim with authority, he can avoid the pitfalls that derailed Simmons’ career. Giddey’s size, vision, and improving offensive game make him a rare talent—one that could redefine the point guard position in Chicago.
The NBA world is watching, and the stage is set for Josh Giddey to prove he’s more than a cautionary tale. With his new contract, a supportive organization, and a chip on his shoulder, Giddey’s resurgence feels inevitable. If he sustains his growth and stays aggressive, he could soon be mentioned among the league’s elite playmakers, leaving the shadow of Ben Simmons far behind.