Josh Giddey is stepping up as a leader for the Chicago Bulls, a role he embraced at the team's recent Media Day. The 23-year-old guard, now entering his sixth NBA season, is focused on organizing a young roster and building on a strong individual campaign. This comes as the Bulls look to improve after a 2-3 run in their final five games, which included a 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13.
Giddey pushed back lightly on the veteran label with a smile. "I'm six years into the league, but I'm 23 years old, so whether you call me a veteran is subjective," he said. His experience is unique for his age, having been part of a top-seeded Oklahoma City team and a rebuilding Bulls squad. He described his role as an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. Giddey wants to keep teammates organized and help younger players handle the ups and downs of an NBA season.
New head coach Tiago Splitter has also highlighted Giddey's basketball IQ. He sees the guard as a cerebral player who can lead by passing, pushing the tempo, and creating easy chances for others. This approach is vital for a team integrating new talent.
His growing voice is backed by impressive numbers. Giddey posted career highs in the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.3 rebounds across 54 games. He also shot a personal-best 36.4% from three-point range. His 13 triple-doubles tied for second in the entire NBA, behind only Nikola Jokic.
Those stats make him one of the league's most versatile young playmakers. He can run an offense, rebound well for his position, and generate shots without dominating the ball. The Bulls' faith in him was clear when they signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract extension in September 2025.
A key part of Giddey's new responsibility is elevating players like rookie Caleb Wilson. The Bulls selected Wilson with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Giddey quickly shifted attention to the newcomer during Media Day, praising his confidence and work ethic after their offseason sessions. He also noted Wilson's ability to play and guard multiple positions.
This partnership could be important right away. The Bulls don't need Giddey to be a solo star. They need him to make the game simpler for Wilson and second-year forward Matas Buzelis. If Wilson becomes the versatile threat Chicago envisions, Giddey's elite passing will be the key to unlocking his potential.
Health is a positive factor. Giddey is entering camp with no restrictions after undergoing right ankle surgery in May. Being fully healthy is significant after injuries limited him last season. His assignment is straightforward: set the pace, involve the young players, and maintain organization when games get chaotic.
He doesn't need to sound like a 30-year-old veteran to do that. At 23, he has six seasons of experience, a major contract, and lessons from both winning and losing seasons. The team's immediate focus will be on correcting recent defensive issues after allowing 149 points to Dallas and 127 to Orlando in their last two losses. The path forward relies on Giddey's playmaking to gel this new core together.
