Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey may not have made the All-Star roster this season, but his recent form has not gone unnoticed. During All-Star Weekend, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James singled out Giddey for his development, praising the young playmaker’s improving jumper and overall growth in Chicago.
Giddey, who is in his second season with the Bulls, has been producing near triple-double numbers. The 22-year-old is averaging 18.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game, placing himself among the league’s most versatile guards. His all-around production has quietly turned him into one of the team’s most important pieces, even without the All-Star recognition.
LeBron James highlights Giddey’s biggest improvement
Speaking during All-Star Weekend, James pointed to a clear area of growth in Giddey’s game—his shooting.
“I think Josh Giddey continues to get better and better. I think his development since he got to Chicago. What he was not known for when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball,” James said.
While Giddey’s overall shooting percentages have not seen a massive leap, his confidence and shot volume have increased. He is attacking defenders more aggressively and taking jumpers when defenses give him space, forcing opponents to adjust their approach.
“Now he’s shooting the ball, you can’t just sag off him, you can’t just lay off of him and dare him to shoot. He is actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Obviously he is a big guard, he pushes the pace with a lot of steam. I think Chicago has a really good player in him,” James added.
The endorsement from a four-time champion underscores how far Giddey’s offensive profile has evolved. What used to be a clear weakness is now becoming a legitimate scoring weapon.
Lebron on Josh Giddey:
“His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball. Now he’s shooting the ball. You can’t just sag off of him, you can’t just lay off of him and dare him to shoot. He’s actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Chicago has a really good… pic.twitter.com/dvyHbpyIlS
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 15, 2026
Bulls’ long-term bet on Giddey showing early returns
Chicago made a bold move in 2024 by trading defensive standout Alex Caruso to acquire Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The front office doubled down on that decision by signing him to a four-year, $100 million extension, signaling that he would be a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
So far, the investment is beginning to pay off. Giddey has posted multiple triple-doubles and reached several franchise statistical milestones, establishing himself as the engine of the Bulls’ offense. His ability to rebound, push the pace, and create for teammates has given Chicago a different identity compared to previous seasons.
At 6-foot-8, Giddey presents a unique matchup problem. He handles the ball like a guard but rebounds and sees the floor like a forward. That size advantage allows him to initiate fast breaks, create passing angles over defenders, and control the tempo of games.
BREAKING: Josh Giddey has agreed on a three-year, $15 million deal with the Utah Jazz
(Via @SharmsCharania) pic.twitter.com/dpSWKEzrDN
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 8, 2024
Why Giddey’s evolution matters for Chicago’s future
Even with the improvements in his jumper, Giddey’s value still centers on his versatility. He fills the stat sheet, facilitates the offense, and creates mismatches across positions. As his scoring efficiency continues to climb, his overall impact becomes even more dangerous.
James’ praise reflects a broader league sentiment: Giddey is evolving from a talented young passer into a complete offensive threat. If his shooting progress continues, the Bulls could soon have a legitimate All-Star candidate leading their backcourt.
For now, the All-Star nod may not be there—but the respect from one of the game’s greatest players suggests it could be only a matter of time.
