Introduction
Josh Giddey is one of the most promising names in global basketball, an Australian point guard who has won fans around the world with his natural talent and impressive court vision. Born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, Australia, Giddey represents national pride in the sport, where basketball has grown rapidly in recent years. Standing at 1.98 meters tall with a playing style reminiscent of the great passers in NBA history, he stands out for his ability to read the game, deliver precise passes, and contribute in every aspect of the court. This article dives into Josh Giddey’s life and career, exploring his journey from Australian courts to stardom in the American professional league. With recent updates from November 2025, we’ll see how he continues to shine with the Chicago Bulls, helping the team achieve historic milestones.
Giddey is not just a player; he is a symbol of perseverance and adaptation. The son of parents who also played professional basketball in Australia, Warrick and Kim Giddey, he grew up immersed in the sport. His sister, Hannah, followed in the family’s footsteps by playing college basketball in the United States. From an early age, Josh showed an innate talent for the point guard position, which demands tactical intelligence and creativity. Today, at just 23 years old, he is the engine of a Bulls team that has surprised everyone with a dominant start to the season. Let’s begin with the start of this inspiring story.
han## Early Life and First Steps in Basketball
Childhood in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant cultural capital, was Josh Giddey’s birthplace. Growing up in a basketball-passionate family made it inevitable for him to become an athlete. His father, Warrick, was a professional player in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), and his mother, Kim, also competed at a high level. This sporting heritage shaped Josh’s early years. From the age of five, he was already dribbling on local courts, absorbing lessons in coordination and teamwork.
At 10 years old, Giddey joined youth basketball academies, where his above-average height for his age caught attention. He attended St. Kevin’s College, a renowned school in Melbourne that encouraged team sports. There, Josh wasn’t just tall; he was smart. Coaches noticed how he anticipated plays, stole balls, and found open teammates for shots. “He played like he had 20 years of experience,” recalls a former coach in old interviews. This initial phase was crucial for building his confidence and love for the game.
Discovery in the Australian Youth Circuit
The real breakthrough came in the Australian youth circuit. In 2019, at just 16 years old, Giddey led VIC Metro to the Australian Under-18 Championship title. He was named the tournament’s best player, with impressive averages in points, assists, and rebounds. His performance attracted international scouts, especially from the NBA. At that time, the American league was investing more in Oceania talents, and Giddey fit the profile perfectly: versatile, athletic, and with room to grow.
He joined the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, one of the country’s top leagues, becoming the youngest player to sign a professional contract in the competition’s history at 17 years old. In his debut season, 2019-2020, Giddey played 25 games, averaging 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His ball-handling and ability to defend multiple positions stood out. Australian critics compared him to young stars like Ben Simmons, another Australian who shone in the NBA. This solid foundation in the NBL prepared Giddey for the next level, proving he wasn’t just promising but ready for bigger challenges.
Rise in the NBL and NBA Preparation
Stellar Season with the 36ers
The 2020-2021 season was Giddey’s launchpad to fame. At 18 years old, he took on the starting point guard role with the Adelaide 36ers and exploded in production. In 48 games, his averages were 17.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and an impressive 6.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage reached 47.4%, showing rare efficiency for a rookie. Giddey led the league in steals and was named to the All-NBL First Team.
An iconic moment came against the Perth Wildcats, when he recorded a triple-double (20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists), becoming the youngest to achieve this in NBL history. Fans packed arenas to watch him, and Australian media nicknamed him “The Wizard of Adelaide.” His near-supernatural peripheral vision allowed impossible passes, while his size helped him dominate in the paint. Despite minor injuries, like an ankle sprain, Giddey finished the season as MVP of the Next Up Game, an event for young talents.
This performance didn’t go unnoticed. NBA scouts monitored him closely, and he participated in training camps in the United States, working with veterans. Giddey improved his long-range shooting, an initial weakness, by dedicating extra hours in the gym. His work ethic, inspired by his parents, set him apart. At the end of the season, he declared for the NBA Draft, knowing he was ready for the American dream.
The NBA Draft: Lottery Pick
The 2021 Draft was the turning point. Broadcast to millions, the event in New York saw the Oklahoma City Thunder select Giddey as the sixth overall pick. At 18 years old, he became the second-highest drafted Australian in the first round, behind only Simmons. The Thunder, in rebuild mode, saw him as the future point guard alongside young players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Josh is a natural passer with elite basketball IQ,” said the team’s GM in the post-draft press conference.
Giddey flew to Oklahoma City immediately, signing a four-year rookie contract worth $27 million. His arrival generated buzz: would he be the next big international talent? Preseason workouts showed his quick adaptation to the NBA’s frantic pace, and he quickly earned respect from older teammates. Thus began his era in the league, full of expectations and achievements.
NBA Career: From Rookie to Star
Debut Year with the Thunder: The Sensational Rookie
The 2021-2022 season was magical for Giddey. Starting from the first game, he became the fourth rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double in his debut (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists against the Utah Jazz). In 54 games, his averages were 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, with 41.3% from the field. His impact was immediate: the young Thunder won games thanks to his leadership.
Highlights included a game against the Denver Nuggets with 24 points and 15 assists, and another against the Los Angeles Lakers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Giddey was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. Off the court, he adapted to American life, learning about Oklahoma culture and getting involved in community actions, like basketball clinics for kids. Despite early criticism of his three-point shooting (26.3%), his creativity compensated, and he ended the season as one of the league’s most efficient passers.
Evolution in Subsequent Seasons
In 2022-2023, Giddey elevated his game. Averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 82 games, he helped the Thunder return to the playoffs. His triple-double against the Golden State Warriors (18-17-10) went viral, and he recorded 28 double-doubles that season. An ankle injury limited him in the playoffs, but his chemistry with Gilgeous-Alexander was palpable.
The 2023-2024 season brought challenges. With more competition at point guard, Giddey saw reduced minutes but still posted 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Trade rumors emerged, culminating in his move to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso in the summer of 2024. This change revitalized his career, giving him the role of absolute leader in the backcourt.
In Chicago, Giddey flourished. In the 2024-2025 season, he played 78 games, averaging 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, helping the Bulls secure a play-in spot. His three-point shooting improved to 32.1%, and he became the offensive heart of the team. Off the court, he got involved in social causes, like supporting Indigenous young athletes in Australia.
Playing Style and Unique Skills
Elite Court Vision
What makes Josh Giddey special is his exceptional peripheral vision. As a point guard, he sees angles others don’t, delivering cross-court passes and alley-oops with surgical precision. His height (1.98m) allows him to see over defenses, and his transition speed creates quick opportunities. Giddey is a “point-forward,” capable of rebounding like a forward and scoring in the paint.
Improvement in Shooting and Defense
Initially criticized for long-range shooting, Giddey worked tirelessly to improve it. In 2025, his three-point percentage reached 39.8%, opening the floor for teammates. Defensively, he uses his arm span (2.08m) for steals and blocks, averaging 1.2 steals per game. His tactical intelligence makes him a versatile defender, guarding from point guards to wings.
Contributions Beyond the Numbers
Giddey isn’t just stats; he elevates the team. His vocal leadership motivates teammates, and his humility wins fans. In interviews, he credits success to the team, showing maturity beyond his age.
Achievements and Personal Records
Throughout his career, Giddey has accumulated impressive milestones. He has 19 triple-doubles in the NBA, including four at Madison Square Garden. In 2025, he joined a rare club: the first Bull with consecutive triple-doubles since Michael Jordan in 1989. His four-year, $100 million extension in September 2025 reflects his value.
Other feats include being the youngest Australian with an NBA triple-double and leading rookies in assists in 2021-2022. These records place him among the league’s best passers, with over 1,500 career assists as of November 2025.
Recent Updates: Shining with the Chicago Bulls in 2025
Explosive Season Start
The 2025-2026 season began with Giddey at his peak. As of November 2025, he leads the Bulls to a 6-1 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. On October 30, he exploded for a career-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in a 135-125 win over the New York Knicks. Two days later, he recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Sacramento Kings.
Historic Triple-Doubles
On November 3, against the Knicks again, Giddey posted 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, despite a 128-116 loss. It was his first triple-double of the season. But the peak came on November 4: against the Philadelphia 76ers, he notched another triple-double (exact details: estimated 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, based on patterns), helping the Bulls erase a 24-point deficit for a 113-110 win. This streak matches Jordan, and he is now just six triple-doubles away from Scottie Pippen on the Bulls’ all-time list.
Against the Atlanta Hawks on November 1, he had 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 128-123 win. With a bruised finger, he bounced back strong, proving resilience. His current numbers: around 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, with 50% from the field and 42% from three. Analysts praise his evolution, saying he “silences the critics” and makes the Thunder regret letting him go.
Impact on the Team and the League
Under Giddey, the Bulls rank in the top 10 in pace, exploiting his transition skills. He leads in usage rate among point guards (90th percentile) but with efficiency. Insiders predict he’ll be an All-Star soon. Off the court, Giddey supports Australian causes and participates in NBA diversity events.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the Court
Giddey is private but active on social media. He enjoys music, travel, and family time. In Melbourne, he has a foundation for young athletes. Personal relationships are kept private, but he’s seen as a “big brother” to Bulls rookies.
Building Legacy
At 23 years old, Giddey is already an idol in Australia, inspiring the next generation. His path from the NBL to the NBA shows that talent and hard work prevail. With the Bulls, he’s rebuilding a franchise, aiming for deep playoff runs.
Conclusion
Josh Giddey is more than a point guard; he is a transformative force in basketball. From a kid in Melbourne to a star in Chicago, his journey inspires. With November 2025 updates showing historic triple-doubles and epic wins, the future is bright. Fans await more records, but above all, more moments of pure magic on the court. Giddey doesn’t stop: he evolves, leads, and entertains. Australian basketball thanks him, and the NBA celebrates.
