Defense and leadership are his biggest focuses.
The Chicago Bulls are riding a wave of optimism after Josh Giddey, their newly minted $100 million man, unveiled a revamped shooting game that has the front office buzzing and opponents scrambling. The 23-year-old point guard, acquired in a blockbuster trade that sent defensive stalwart Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City, is no longer just a playmaking savant. Giddey’s offseason transformation into a sharpshooting threat has ignited excitement in Chicago and sent shockwaves through the NBA.
A New-Look Giddey: From Pass-First to Lethal Shooter
Giddey’s game has always been defined by his elite vision and passing, averaging 6.2 assists per game last season with the Thunder. However, his shooting—particularly from beyond the arc—has been a persistent Achilles’ heel, with a career 31.0% three-point shooting percentage. Critics pointed to his reluctance to shoot and inconsistent mechanics as limitations holding back his superstar potential.
This offseason, Giddey went to work. Reports from Bulls training camp reveal a player who has overhauled his shooting form, focusing on a quicker release and improved footwork. Early scrimmage footage shows Giddey confidently knocking down catch-and-shoot threes and pulling up off the dribble with newfound swagger. Sources close to the team describe his jumper as “lethal,” with one assistant coach noting, “Josh is shooting like he’s been doing this his whole life. It’s a game-changer.”
Bulls’ Front Office Euphoria
The Bulls’ front office, led by Artūras Karnišovas, is reportedly ecstatic about Giddey’s transformation. The decision to trade Caruso, a fan favorite and All-Defensive Team caliber player, for Giddey was met with skepticism. Critics questioned whether Giddey’s playmaking could offset the loss of Caruso’s defensive prowess. However, Giddey’s shooting overhaul has silenced doubters and validated the front office’s bold gamble.
“Josh is the cornerstone of our future,” a team executive said. “His ability to stretch the floor now makes him a complete offensive weapon. We’re building around him, and he’s delivering.” The Bulls see Giddey as the engine of a dynamic offense, capable of creating for teammates like Zach LaVine and Coby White while adding his own scoring punch. With Giddey’s new shooting prowess, Chicago’s offense could climb into the league’s top tier, especially after ranking 19th in offensive rating last season.
Defensive Commitment: The Other Half of the Equation
While Giddey’s shooting overhaul steals headlines, his commitment to improving defensively is equally critical. The Bulls struggled on defense last season, ranking 22nd in defensive rating, and Caruso’s departure left a gaping hole. Giddey, often a neutral or below-average defender in Oklahoma City, acknowledged this weakness at media day, emphasizing defense as a cornerstone of his leadership.
“I want to set the tone on both ends,” Giddey said. “Being vocal, communicating coverages, and staying engaged off the ball—that’s how I can elevate this team.” His 6’8” frame gives him a unique advantage at the point guard position, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and switch onto bigger wings. Giddey has studied players like Cade Cunningham and former teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both of whom leverage their size to make impactful defensive plays.
The addition of Isaac Okoro, a tenacious defender from Cleveland, should ease Giddey’s burden by taking on primary assignments. However, Giddey’s ability to stay locked in against secondary and tertiary options will be crucial. His improved effort late last season, where he held his own against top guards, suggests he’s ready to embrace the challenge.
League-Wide Panic Mode
Giddey’s emergence as a dual-threat guard has opponents rethinking their scouting reports. A playmaker who can now shoot efficiently from deep is a nightmare for defenses. Teams that once sagged off Giddey, daring him to shoot, will now face a Bulls offense that can stretch the floor and exploit mismatches. Combined with his elite passing, Giddey could turn Chicago’s offense into a juggernaut, especially in transition, where he thrives.
Rival executives are taking notice. “If Giddey’s shooting is for real, the Bulls just became a problem,” an Eastern Conference GM said. “You can’t game-plan for a 6’8” point guard who can pass like that and hit threes.” With Giddey’s new skill set, Chicago could climb the Eastern Conference standings, challenging teams like Milwaukee and Philadelphia.
Leadership and Communication: The Intangibles
Beyond his on-court improvements, Giddey is stepping into a leadership role. His focus on communication, particularly on defense, could transform the Bulls’ culture. Last season, Chicago’s defense often lacked cohesion, with players struggling to call out switches and coverages. Giddey’s vocal presence on the backline, combined with Okoro’s defensive intensity, could create a ripple effect, elevating teammates like Nikola Vučević and Patrick Williams.
Giddey’s leadership shone after the All-Star break last season, where he averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in Oklahoma City. His ability to orchestrate the offense while keeping teammates involved earned him respect in the locker room. Now, with a lucrative contract and a new team, Giddey is poised to take another leap as a leader.
Giddey’s $100 million extension comes with sky-high expectations, but his offseason work suggests he’s ready to deliver. His shooting overhaul addresses a critical weakness, while his defensive commitment and leadership signal a player maturing into a complete star. For the Bulls to become a true force in the Eastern Conference, Giddey must sustain his intensity on both ends and continue to evolve.
As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on Giddey’s jumper and defensive impact. If he can translate his offseason gains into the regular season, the Bulls could be the surprise team of 2025-26. For now, Chicago’s front office is dreaming big, and the rest of the league is officially on notice: Josh Giddey is no longer a one-dimensional playmaker—he’s a lethal weapon ready to wreak havoc.