Josh Giddey has been the driving force behind the Chicago Bulls’ fight for a play-in spot this season. With all the inconsistencies, injuries, and roster questions surrounding the team, Giddey’s presence has provided much-needed stability. While his numbers are impressive, the real impact he’s had on the Bulls goes beyond the stat sheet. His evolving offensive approach has transformed both his game and the team’s fortunes.
It’s easy to highlight his elite passing or his rebounding, which generates extra possessions. But the real story is how Giddey has refined his scoring mentality. He’s playing with more aggression, getting to his spots efficiently, and attacking the rim with newfound confidence. As Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan explained in a recent interview with The Athletic: “The shots that he’s getting and generating and the shots he’s looking to take, in my opinion, are higher-quality shots for him. I think now he’s gotten himself deeper. He’s gotten more to the dotted area. Maybe not all the way to the rim; he does get to the rim. With his size, he’s good in that area of the floor.” (Source: Pippen Ain’t Easy)
This shift, which Donovan describes, has elevated the Bulls’ offense. If the season ended today, Chicago would be preparing for a play-in matchup against the Miami Heat, and Giddey’s improved play would be a crucial factor in their chances.
Earlier in his career, defenses sagged off Giddey, daring him to shoot. His inconsistent jumper allowed defenders to clog passing lanes and neutralize his playmaking. Instead of settling for low-percentage shots, Giddey has adapted—using his size to attack the basket more frequently. His improved decision-making in the paint has forced defenses into difficult choices. Collapse on him, and he’ll find an open shooter or big man. Play him straight up, and he now has the touch to finish around the rim.
This adjustment has had a ripple effect on the entire Bulls’ offense. More drives to the basket mean more free throws, providing stability on tough shooting nights. His penetration forces defenses to rotate, creating open looks for teammates. Players like Coby White and Patrick Williams have benefited, getting cleaner shots thanks to Giddey’s ability to break down defenses.
If tonight’s Bulls-Kings matchup had been the final game of the regular season the Bulls’ first challenge would be Miami—a team built for these moments. The Heat’s experience and defensive schemes make them a nightmare in high-pressure games. But this version of Giddey gives Chicago an advantage they didn’t have earlier in the season.
Miami thrives on making opponents uncomfortable, forcing them into late-clock situations and bad shots. But if Giddey controls the game, the Bulls can dictate their own pace. His ability to keep the offense moving and create scoring opportunities out of nothing gives Chicago a fighting chance.
Defensively, Miami rarely makes mistakes and doesn’t give up easy shots. But Giddey’s ability to get downhill challenges that structure. He forces defenders to make split-second decisions, and any hesitation will be punished by his elite court vision. In a game where every possession matters, his presence changes the equation.
Should the Bulls advance past Miami, they’d face the winner of the Hawks vs. Magic game—a completely different challenge. While both teams have young, dynamic talent, neither possesses Miami’s disciplined defensive approach. Against Atlanta, Giddey’s size would be a significant advantage, as smaller defenders would struggle to contain him. Against Orlando, the key would be ball security, as the Magic thrive on turning defense into offense.
Regardless of how the postseason plays out, the Bulls wouldn’t even be in this conversation without Giddey’s growth. His impact goes beyond numbers—he’s kept Chicago afloat during stretches when the season seemed in jeopardy. His ability to control games, make the right reads, and keep the offense flowing has been invaluable.
Perhaps most importantly, Giddey’s emergence provides clarity for the Bulls’ long-term outlook. The team has been searching for an identity, and Giddey may be the missing piece. He’s proving he can be a lead guard, not by being the flashiest scorer, but by elevating his teammates and making winning plays. If this version of Giddey is here to stay, the Bulls’ future suddenly looks much brighter.
For now, though, the focus remains on the play-in. Can Giddey maintain this level of play under the highest pressure? Can he break down Miami’s defense and keep the Bulls’ offense flowing when things get tight? Can he outduel the young stars of Atlanta or Orlando if Chicago advances?
The answers to these questions will determine whether the Bulls sneak into the playoffs or head into an early offseason. But if the last few months have proven anything, it’s that Giddey is built for this moment. He’s already shown he can adapt and step up when it matters most. And with the Bulls’ season on the line, there’s no better time for him to keep proving it.
If you can’t play with them, then root for them!