Josh Giddey is a name that resonates loudly in the basketball world, especially among fans who closely follow the Australian league and the NBA. Born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, this 6’8″ (2.01 m) point guard has stood out for his elite court vision, pinpoint passing, and a physical presence that defies expectations for his position. At just 23 years old, Giddey is already regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation, blending technical skill with a maturity that makes him seem years ahead. His journey, filled with early achievements and adaptations in the ultra-competitive NBA landscape, inspires young athletes worldwide. In this article, we explore Giddey’s trajectory from his Australian roots to the bright lights of Chicago, with a focus on the latest updates from the 2025-26 season.
Early Steps in Basketball
Josh’s passion for basketball came early, influenced by his father, Warrick Giddey, a former professional player who introduced him to the sport as a child. Growing up in a basketball family was no coincidence; Warrick, who played in Australian leagues, saw natural potential in his son. By age 12, Josh was already training intensely at local academies in Melbourne. His unusual height for his age caught attention, but it was his basketball IQ that truly impressed coaches.
In high school, Giddey attended Southern Mallee Giants, where he quickly became the team leader. In 2018, he made a bold move to the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) as a teenager. That early decision marked the beginning of his professional career. “I wanted to test my limits,” he later said in an interview, reflecting on the leap that put him up against grown men. In those formative years, he learned to handle pressure while developing a team-first style of play that would become his trademark.
Dominance in the NBL
The NBL proved to be the perfect crucible for forging Giddey’s talent. In his debut season at just 16, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game—impressive numbers for a rookie. But it was the 2020-21 season when he truly exploded: 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, leading the Bullets to a strong campaign. His ability to read the game, distribute the ball, and contribute across multiple categories earned him Rookie of the Year and a spot on the All-NBL First Team.
Those achievements didn’t go unnoticed. Giddey became the first player born in the 2000s to be named MVP of the NBL Finals (even though the Bullets didn’t win the title). His performance included a triple-double in the semifinals—a rare feat that put him on the global radar. Australian analysts compared him to local legends like Andrew Gaze but with a modern versatility. It was during this phase that he polished his long-range shooting, an initial weakness he turned into a secondary weapon, while focusing primarily on mastering pick-and-roll and fast-break play.
The American Dream: 2021 NBA Draft
2021 was a pivotal year. At just 18, Giddey was selected sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Draft. Scouts praised his “elite vision” and potential as a facilitator, comparing him to a young Jason Kidd. The pick sparked debate—some worried about his lack of athletic explosiveness—but the rebuilding Thunder saw him as a cornerstone for the future. “Josh is a natural playmaker,” said GM Sam Presti at the time.
His transition to Oklahoma City was smooth. In Summer League, he dazzomed with averages of 17 points and 9 assists, confirming the hype. His four-year, roughly $30 million rookie contract sealed his commitment to the league.
Learning Years with the Oklahoma City Thunder
His three seasons in OKC were ones of steady growth. In 2021-22, as an immediate starter, Giddey posted 12.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 54 games, becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. Injuries limited him, but he showed resilience, helping the Thunder reach the playoffs in 2023.
The following season (2022-23), he raised his game: 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists with 10 triple-doubles. Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder emerged as a Western Conference contender, and Giddey fit perfectly as the secondary playmaker. In 2023-24, his scoring dipped slightly to 12.3 points due to tactical adjustments, but his assist efficiency (6.4) remained high. The team reached the conference semifinals, where Giddey contributed 20 points and 10 assists in Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Those years sharpened not only his skills but also his mindset. He learned to handle criticism about his three-point shooting (career 30% until then) and adapted to coach Mark Daigneault’s system, which encouraged him to expand his defensive repertoire.
New Chapter: Arrival at the Chicago Bulls
In June 2024, a surprising trade sent him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso and a first-round pick. The Bulls, seeking a youth infusion after years of stagnation, saw Giddey as the ideal facilitator alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan (before the latter’s departure). “It’s a chance to lead,” Giddey said upon signing his extension. The move to the Windy City brought new challenges: a demanding fan base and a faster offensive system.
In the 2024-25 season, he adapted well, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 70 games. His triple-double against the Knicks (21 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists) was a highlight. The Bulls finished with 41 wins and were eliminated in the play-in.
2025-26 Season: A Year of Consolidation
The current 2025-26 campaign has been Giddey’s most impressive yet. Averaging 21.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, he has established himself as one of the league’s most complete point guards, ranking in the top 30 in scoring and top 10 in rebounds among players at his position. His field-goal percentage has climbed to 45.9%, thanks to improvements in the mid-range and on defense, where he’s averaging 1.2 steals per game.
The Bulls, currently 6-6 through November, are showing signs of progress, with Giddey orchestrating the offense alongside Coby White and Nikola Vučević. His chemistry with White, back from injury, has been crucial in close wins.
Triumphant Return from Injury
In November 2025, Giddey suffered a setback: a right ankle sprain sidelined him for two games. His absence coincided with frustrating Bulls losses, heightening anticipation for his return. On November 16 against the Utah Jazz, he came back in spectacular fashion. In an epic double-overtime game, Giddey recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists—his 21st career triple-double. Despite the 150-147 loss, his performance matched a historic milestone: the same number of career triple-doubles as Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (both with 21).
“Getting back on the court felt liberating,” he said post-game, also noting two blocks and steals that energized the crowd. That display not only lifted the Bulls but reinforced his reputation as a clutch performer in decisive moments.
Playing Style and Impressive Stats
What makes Giddey unique is his versatility. With a 6’10” (2.08 m) wingspan, he dominates the paint like few point guards, grabbing offensive rebounds (3.2 per game this season) and starting fast breaks. His passes—9.7 per game—are surgical, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.8:1. Defensively, he has evolved, using his size to contest shots and switch assignments.
Statistically, he’s currently top-3 in the league in assists. Career totals: 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 220 games. Critics note that at 23, he can still refine his three-point shot (32% career), but his overall efficiency more than compensates.
Representing Australia
Giddey proudly carries the Australian flag. From the U-17 national team, he helped the Boomers win medals at youth world championships. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, at just 18, he contributed 6 points and 4 assists en route to a bronze medal. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, his averages of 12.4 points and 7.8 assists were crucial in a fourth-place finish. For the 2027 World Cup, he is seen as the future leader alongside Dyson Daniels.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Not everything has been smooth. Baseless allegations in 2023 tested his resilience, but Giddey emerged stronger, focusing on basketball. Injuries, like the recent ankle sprain, and the pressure of trades have shaped him. “Every obstacle is a lesson,” he reflects, citing mentors like Patty Mills.
Giddey’s Future in the League
With an extension through 2029, Giddey is aiming for deep playoff runs with the Bulls. Analysts predict an All-Star selection soon—perhaps as early as next season. Further evolution in shooting and leadership could elevate him to true stardom. Off the court, he invests in philanthropy in Australia, promoting youth basketball.
Conclusion
Josh Giddey is not just a point guard; he is a visionary redefining roles in the NBA. From Melbourne to American arenas, his journey embodies persistence and innovation. With his recent return and stellar numbers, 2025-26 could be the year he cements himself among the league’s elite. Australian fans—and the world—eagerly await the next chapter of this rising star’s story.
