Josh Giddey is one of the most promising names in global basketball. Born in Australia, this 23-year-old point guard has drawn attention for his exceptional court vision, rebounding ability, and rare talent for distributing the ball. From his first steps on the courts of Melbourne to the NBA spotlight, Giddey represents the Australian talent redefining the sport. With a career blending early achievements and overcome challenges, he has become a cornerstone for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and, more recently, the Chicago Bulls. In this report, we explore Giddey’s journey, from his roots to the latest moments, highlighting what makes him a unique player on the global basketball stage.
Early Life and Development
Childhood in Melbourne
Josh Giddey was born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, a vibrant city known for its passion for sports. His parents, Kim and Warrick Giddey, were professional basketball players, shaping the family environment from an early age. Warrick played as a shooting guard for the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne Tigers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), while Kim shone as a player for the women’s Melbourne Tigers in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). Growing up in a home where basketball was the center of conversations and daily routines inevitably influenced young Josh.
In Yarraville, a Melbourne suburb, Giddey spent his childhood dribbling on local courts and watching his parents’ games. He attended St Kevin’s College from seventh to tenth grade, where he excelled academically and in sports. Family dedication was evident: Warrick and Kim not only encouraged their son but also coached him, passing on lessons in technique and competitive mindset. At age 12, Josh already showed above-average height for his age, helping him dominate rebounds and long passes. This family foundation was crucial in forging a versatile player capable of reading the game like a veteran.
Youth Career and Talent Discovery
Giddey’s transition to competitive basketball happened quickly. At 16, he joined the NBA Global Academy, an elite program based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. There, he trained alongside global young prospects, honing his peripheral vision and passing skills. He also studied at UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra, balancing academics with intense training.
In April 2019, at the Australian Under-18 Championship, Giddey led VIC Metro to the title, averaging an impressive 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, and six assists per game. This performance caught international attention. In early 2020, he helped the NBA Global Academy win the Torneo Junior Ciutat de L’Hospitalet in Barcelona and was named tournament MVP. Months later, during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, he participated in Basketball Without Borders, where he was selected as one of the camp’s all-stars.
For the Australian under-17 national team, at the 2019 FIBA Oceania Championship in New Caledonia, Giddey averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and five assists, securing gold and a spot in the Under-17 World Cup. His senior national team debut came in February 2020 against Hong Kong, where, at 17, he scored 11 points, six assists, and three rebounds in just 11 minutes. This precocity positioned him as the natural heir to Australian legends like Ben Simmons.
Entry into Professionalism
First Steps with the Adelaide 36ers
In March 2020, Giddey signed with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, becoming the first Australian in the Next Stars program, designed to prepare young players for the NBA. He turned down offers from top U.S. colleges, like the University of Arizona, opting for a direct professional path. His decision was bold but aligned with his aggressive playing style.
In the 2020-21 season, Giddey made an immediate impact. On April 26, 2021, he recorded his first NBL triple-double: 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a loss to the New Zealand Breakers, becoming the youngest Australian to achieve the feat. Days later, on May 1, a second consecutive triple-double (15 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds) against the Brisbane Bullets. On May 9, a third (11 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds) in a double-overtime win over the Sydney Kings.
By season’s end, averaging 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.6 assists in 28 games, Giddey was named NBL Rookie of the Year. His release from the active roster on May 17 aimed to prepare him for the NBA Draft, but his legacy with the 36ers was already cemented as one of the league’s most talented point guards.
NBA Draft and Arrival at the Thunder
Selection and Rookie Debut
On April 27, 2021, Giddey declared for the NBA Draft, projected as a lottery pick. On July 29, he was selected sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a rebuilding franchise that saw him as the future of their playmaking. He signed his rookie contract on August 8, 2021, despite an ankle injury during Summer League.
His NBA debut came on October 20, 2021, against the Utah Jazz, with four points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in a loss. He adapted quickly: on October 27, his first double-double (18 points and 10 assists) in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the third-youngest in league history to record 10 assists in a game. Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November, Giddey kept shining.
On December 26, 2021, a no-points double-double (10 assists and 10 rebounds) against the New Orleans Pelicans—the second in NBA history. He won Rookie of the Month for December, January, and February. The highlight came on January 2, 2022: the youngest triple-double in history (17 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds) in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, surpassing LaMelo Ball’s record. A hip injury sidelined him in March 2022, but he finished the season averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, including four triple-doubles.
Rise with the Oklahoma City Thunder
In the 2022-23 season, Giddey evolved: averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 76 games. On January 10, 2023, he joined Luka Dončić, Ben Simmons, and Grant Hill as one of the few with 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 500 assists in their first 100 games. His career-high in points came on January 15, with 28 against the Brooklyn Nets. In the April 12, 2023, play-in game, 31 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds against the Pelicans.
In 2023-24, he remained consistent. On January 11, 2024, a triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists) in 22 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers—the first in NBA history with 100% field goal shooting in under 25 minutes. Despite a solid year, trade rumors surfaced, culminating on June 21, 2024, when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso. This move marked a new chapter, with Giddey leaving the Thunder with 1,156 points, 748 rebounds, and 642 assists in 200 games.
Transfer to the Chicago Bulls
Adaptation and Initial Impact with the New Team
Giddey’s arrival at the Bulls was met with initial skepticism, given the loss of elite defender Caruso. However, the Australian point guard quickly adapted to Chicago’s culture, a city with a rich basketball history, home to legends like Michael Jordan. His versatility—playing as a starting point guard or shooting guard—fit perfectly into coach Billy Donovan’s system.
In the 2024-25 season, Giddey recorded his first Bulls triple-double on December 2, 2024: 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. On December 28, another (23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists) against the Milwaukee Bucks, the first Bull since Jimmy Butler with multiple triple-doubles in a season. His chemistry with Nikola Vučević and Zach LaVine elevated the team, making the Bulls more balanced.
In March 2025, the pace intensified. On the 8th, his third triple-double (26 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds) against the Miami Heat. On March 22, a near quadruple-double (15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals) in a 146-115 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers. Four days later, on March 27, a game-winning triple-double (25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists), sealed with a half-court buzzer-beater in a 119-117 win over the Lakers again—his fifth of the season, joining Jordan as the only Bulls with five or more in a year.
On April 9, 2025, his seventh triple-double (28 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists) against the Heat in a 119-111 win, placing him alongside Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the only Bulls with seasons of at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. These feats not only propelled the team to the playoffs but solidified Giddey as a rising star.
International Career
Representing the Boomers
The Australian national team, the Boomers, is another stage where Giddey shines. His senior debut in 2020 made him the youngest since Simmons to play for the main squad. Though cut from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic roster, he served as an emergency player. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, he was pivotal: averaging 19.4 points, five rebounds, and six assists, earning the tournament’s Rising Star award. His creative passes helped the Boomers achieve fourth place, their best-ever finish.
Giddey remains a key piece for Olympic qualifiers and future competitions, carrying Australian pride with a mix of boldness and maturity.
Playing Style and Unique Skills
Giddey is an atypical point guard: at 6’8”, he uses his height for offensive rebounds and elevated vision, but his essence is playmaking. His transition and half-court passes are surgical, often resulting in triple-doubles. Though his long-range shooting has improved—from 29% in early years to over 35% in 2024-25—his strength lies in creating plays for teammates.
Defensively, he compensates for limitations with positional intelligence and timely steals. His ability to play multiple positions makes him valuable in modern systems where versatility reigns. Critics compare him to a young Jason Kidd for intelligence and rebounding, but with touches of Australian creativity.
Personal Life and Overcome Challenges
Off the court, Giddey keeps a low profile. His sister, Hannah, followed the family path, playing as a forward for the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles for two years and at Southern Nazarene University in 2022-23. The Giddey family is tight-knit, with Warrick and Kim as constant mentors.
In November 2023, Giddey faced a difficult moment: anonymous social media accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor when he was 19. The posts were deleted, and the account deactivated. The NBA and Newport Beach police investigated, but in January 2024, no charges were filed due to lack of evidence. The league closed the case in May 2024, finding no criminal activity. Resilient, Giddey used the episode to focus on basketball, returning stronger.
Recent Updates (as of November 2025)
2024-25 Season: A Year of Consolidation
The 2024-25 season has been a watershed for Giddey with the Bulls. After signing a four-year, $100 million contract extension on September 9, 2025, he rewarded the trust with stellar performances. On October 31, 2025, against the New York Knicks, he set a career-high 32 points, with 10 rebounds and nine assists, in a 135-125 win that kept the Bulls undefeated at 5-0—the best start since 1996-97. This performance, dubbed “Jason Kidd mode” by the Australian press, included 12-of-18 field goals and highlighted his scoring evolution.
Nikola Vučević contributed 26 points, but Giddey orchestrated the attack with precise passes and aggressive rebounds. The Bulls, surprising analysts, lead the early Eastern Conference, thanks to the Australian’s leadership. His trade for Caruso, initially criticized, is now seen as a brilliant move, with Giddey raising the team’s offensive floor.
Highlights and Future Prospects
Beyond the Knicks game, Giddey has been consistent: on October 31, his 32-10-9 line stood out in an NBA Cup game, where the Bulls maintained their undefeated streak. With early season averages above 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, he is a candidate for the 2026 All-Star Game. Off the court, Giddey invests in social causes in Australia, promoting youth basketball in Melbourne.
Looking ahead, with the playoffs approaching, Giddey dreams of a Bulls title, inspired by Jordan’s legacy. His journey from Yarraville to the NBA Finals exemplifies perseverance and pure talent.
Conclusion
Josh Giddey is not just a point guard; he is a phenomenon bridging generations of Australian basketball to the global elite. From his humble roots in Melbourne to triple-doubles echoing legends, his story inspires. In November 2025, with the Bulls soaring and him at his peak, the future seems limitless. Giddey proves that vision, heart, and hard work can take anyone to the top. Let more chapters come in this Australian NBA saga.
