Ten seconds, two plays, one star-making moment.
With the Bulls trailing the Lakers by two points in a March battle, Josh Giddey first disrupted LeBron James’ inbound pass, calmly flicked it behind his back to Coby White for a quick three that gave Chicago new life. When Austin Rivers snatched the lead back for the Lakers in the ensuing possession, Giddey answered with a half-court heave at the buzzer — a shot that dropped as the United Center erupted and his teammates poured to him.
In that instant, the 22-year-old Aussie looked every bit the franchise star the Bulls have been waiting for. However, someone disagrees with that.
ESPN released its annual Top 100 player rankings ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, and one name was glaringly absent: Josh Giddey. Only Kevin Pelton in his ESPN story said the Bulls star could break into the list next year. For a player who just inked a four-year, $100 million deal and has been central to Chicago’s hopes for the future, the ignorance feels like more than just an oversight; it's like a disrespect.
To be fair, part of the issue stems from the Bulls’ reputation. Chicago has lived in mediocrity for several years since Derrick Rose's era, a team consistently stuck around the play-in range without making significant postseason noise. That lack of team success often drags down individual perception. But in this case, the voters were fooled. Giddey’s stat sheet may not scream “elite scorer” or “dominant defender,” but his impact on the game is undeniable.
Last season, the 6-foot-8 point guard quietly put together one of the most well-rounded campaigns of his young career. He averaged 8.1 rebounds per game — second on the team — while also leading the Bulls in assists at 7.2 per game. On defense, he chipped in a career-high 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per night, proving he wasn’t just a one-way player. His size and vision give Chicago a unique offensive weapon: a taller playmaker who can shoot, drive, and orchestrate in ways few guards his age can.
What makes Giddey even more intriguing is his fit alongside Coby White in the Bulls’ backcourt. White emerged as Chicago’s most reliable scorer last season, posting 20.4 points per game while breaking the franchise’s single-season record for threes made. Pairing White’s shotmaking with Giddey’s playmaking should unlock a more dynamic offense. White can play off the ball and hunt open looks while Giddey handles the orchestration, balancing Chicago’s attack in ways the team sorely needed after trading away Zach LaVine.
Then there was Giddey’s finish to last season, which should have erased any doubts about his ceiling. Over his final nine games, he averaged 20.2 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists — including three triple-doubles and the aforementioned buzzer-beater. While some of that production came in lower-stakes games when teams were resting starters as the playoffs approached, it still showcased what Giddey can do when the ball is fully in his hands.
Now entering the first year of his lucrative new deal, Giddey has every reason and every opportunity to take the leap. The Bulls are investing in him as a franchise cornerstone, not just a solid addition. If he builds on his late-season surge, improves his scoring consistency, and continues to elevate teammates, Giddey won’t just belong in ESPN’s Top 100 next year. He’ll be climbing toward the top half of that list.
Chicago has been searching for a young star to carry the franchise forward. Josh Giddey might just be ready to answer that call.
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