Josh Giddey’s Split Identity: Which Version Will Define His Bulls Era in 2025-26?
The Chicago Bulls enter the 2025-26 season with a cloud of uncertainty hovering over their new-look roster, and at the heart of it all is Josh Giddey. The Australian guard, acquired to inject playmaking and versatility into the Bulls’ offense, remains one of the league’s most polarizing young players. Depending on who you ask, Giddey is either an untapped star waiting for the right system—or a frustrating enigma who struggles to find consistency on the court.
This duality is what makes his arrival in Chicago so fascinating. At just 22 years old, Giddey has already shown flashes of brilliance. His court vision is elite, often drawing comparisons to the pass-first guards of previous generations. When he’s locked in, he transforms an offense, creating open looks for teammates with the kind of precision passes few guards attempt, let alone execute. For a Bulls team that has at times been stagnant and overly reliant on isolation play, that skill set feels like a breath of fresh air.
But then there’s the other side of Josh Giddey—the one that has drawn criticism during his time in Oklahoma City. His inconsistent shooting has often limited his impact, especially in high-stakes games where defenses dared him to score. His defensive lapses and tendency to disappear during stretches of the season have also raised concerns about his ceiling. In many ways, Giddey has been a tale of two players: the gifted playmaker who elevates everyone around him, and the hesitant guard whose flaws can overshadow his brilliance.
For the Bulls, this upcoming season will be the ultimate test of which version shows up. Can Giddey evolve into a reliable second option alongside Zach LaVine and Coby White, or will he remain the unpredictable piece that leaves Chicago fans divided? Head coach Billy Donovan’s system could be pivotal. If Donovan empowers Giddey with the ball in his hands and surrounds him with shooters, the Aussie’s strengths could finally shine. But if he struggles to adapt, Chicago risks adding another layer of inconsistency to a team already searching for stability.
One thing is certain: Giddey’s presence raises the intrigue level in Chicago. The Bulls’ ceiling may very well hinge on which side of Giddey takes the floor most often in 2025-26. Will he be the conductor of a revitalized Bulls offense, or the question mark that keeps them from taking the next step?
The answer might define not just his career trajectory, but the Bulls’ future as
