Josh Giddey Delivers Honest Reaction As Chicago Bulls Struggle To Find Their Rhythm Early In The NBA Season

Josh Giddey addresses Chicago's early-season struggles© Instagram/ joshgiddey

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey has been blunt about his slow start to the NBA season. The point guard is averaging 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists, down from 17.0, 8.3 and 9.1 last year. The Bulls are 1-8 after nine games. Sunday brought a better night. Giddey scored 19 points and dished out 15 assists against Philadelphia, but Chicago still lost 127-121, its seventh straight defeat. Giddey had called the first eight games the worst stretch he has played as a pro. Coach Tiago Splitter said Sunday looked more like the player Chicago expected to see.

What Did Josh Giddey Say About The Rough Start?

Giddey did not dodge the question. After practice last week, he said, “I've probably played the worst eight games that I've played in my career, in terms of the stretch.” He also said the Bulls need faster starts, and he needs to attack downhill instead of moving side to side. Both showed up against a Philadelphia team ranked fourth in defensive efficiency.

Giddey said Chicago scores far more per possession when it reaches the lane. “We look really good when we hit the paint,” he said. “It's just a matter of continuing to do that and not settle for contested stuff early.” He credited teammates too. “Guys made shots, and they make my job easy.” The Bulls shot a season-high 52.3%, their first game above 50% this year.

The night still stung. Giddey had five turnovers, two of them late. “Against a team like that, the margin for error is so small,” he said. “I had a couple turnovers late that I would've wanted back. But I thought we competed a lot better than we have the last few games.”

Tiago Splitter Sees A Better Version Of Giddey

Splitter noticed the change on the first possession. Giddey drove and fed Isaac Okoro for a layup. He had seven assists in the first six minutes, and Chicago made 13 field goals in the opening quarter, its most this season.

“He was the Josh that we know,” Splitter said. “He was aggressive. He was driving downhill, getting teammates [involved], and that's how we see this game. We got to touch the paint and find options out there.”

Chicago played without Norman Powell, its second-leading scorer, who developed back spasms that morning. Okoro stepped into the lineup and scored 12. “Naturally, we have a better defensive team with Isaac in there,” Splitter said. “He did a good job offensively, as well, driving, cutting, back doors, and-ones.”

Matas Buzelis scored 19, Caleb Wilson 18 and Jalen Smith 17. Noa Essengue added 10 off the bench. The Sixers, 8-2 and atop the East, still won the boards. “At the end of the day, the game is decided on the boards. They got 20 offensive boards,” Splitter said. The Spurs, also 8-2, visit Wednesday.