All-Star calibre Giddey says 'room still to grow'

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Critics of Josh Giddey's four-year USD $100M contract extension — and there were plenty — are awfully quiet now the Chicago Bulls have started the 2025-26 NBA season 3-0 and the 23-year-old point guard the catalyst.

Giddey is averaging 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 31.3 minutes per game while the Bulls beat Detroit, Orlando and Australian Boomers teammate Dyson Daniels' Atlanta Hawks. Those are All-Star numbers.

The latest win, 128-123 against the Hawks yesterday, was clutch Giddey hitting a big three and securing an offensive rebound off his own floater over Daniels that led to Tre Jones' sealing three throws.

Josh Giddey's 2025-26 Season Box Score

• GP: 3 I MIN: 31.3 I PTS: 19.3 I FG%: 43.5 I 3P%: 43.3 I FT%: 68.7 I REB: 8.7 I AST: 6.3 I STL: 0.7 I BLK: 0.7 I TO: 3.7 I PF: 2.3 I EFF: 25

"Winning keeps morale high," Giddey said in the locker room after getting the better of Daniels.

"We’ve had stretches in the past where we lost a lot and others where we won a lot. You can’t get too high or too low — just take it one game at a time.

"We’ve done some things really well, but there’s plenty to improve.

"The exciting thing is how much room there still is to grow. We’ll watch film, learn, and get ready for the next one."

Giddey said Daniels, the 2024-25 NBA steals leader and Most Improved Player, played him tough all game and was a great match-up.

"Late-game experience helps,' he said.

"Dyson Daniels was guarding me, so I tried to get him away from the ball. Trey and Ayo handled things perfectly — we executed, got good looks, defended well.

"Trey was great out of the pick-and-roll, scoring and creating. We locked in defensively, clawed back, and the group that finished did a great job on both ends.

"We’ve preached that it has to be done by committee. That’s exactly how it’s been. Multiple guys have stepped up — seven or eight in double figures — and that shows how balanced we are. Both first-year and second-year guys have played well in different stretches.

"It’s on us starters to set the tone, but the second unit’s come in with no drop-off. Total team effort so far, and that’s how it has to stay."

Giddey and Bulls remained locked in an off-season contract stalemate. Giddey's camp was looking for USD $30 per season and the Bulls USD $20. They settled on $25M, which is set to be one of the most under-market extensions in the NBA.

"Once your role is solidified, you understand what needs to be done," Giddey added.

"My first year I didn’t want to step on toes — just fit in. This year I really believe in this group and wanted to take a bigger leadership role.

"As the point guard you’ve got to be an extension of Billy (Donovan) on the floor, communicate, keep everyone connected. It’s been a good start, but we’ve got to sustain it for the long haul."

The Melbourne-born Giddey, son of two-time NBL champion Warrick, blocked Daniels on a driving lay-up in the first quarter and enjoyed the challenge of going up against Bendigo-born Daniels.

"He fouled me hard once — but he looks great," Giddey said.

"I’m happy for him. He got paid, got that extension with Atlanta, and he’s thriving in his role.

"He’s tough to play against, and I love when we get to wear the Green and Gold together a lot more than when I have to face him.

"He’s one of my best mates. We talk enough, but we try not to be too friendly out there during game."

Giddey said chemistry was part of the Bulls' earlier season success after a solid training camp, so much so Giddey told Donovan to let it ride when he was on the bench and the Bulls were on a run.

"It’s great to see," he added.

"Having depth is massive. The best teams can go nine or 10 deep without a drop-off. That group was playing well, so I wanted to let them finish, and they closed it out perfectly.

"Depth’s a big luxury for us — especially with how fast we play. When a lineup’s clicking, you let them go. We’ve got a selfless group that just wants to win.

"We know it’s early, but we’re confident in what we’re building."

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