Josh Giddey returned to the lineup with a triple-double Saturday night as the Bulls got a much-needed win over Milwaukee, writes Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. He missed the previous four games with a sprained right ankle that was originally feared to be much worse than it turned out to be. Giddey sparked the team with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, but he preferred to talk about his improved defense.
“Taking more pride on that side of the ball is something I wanted to buy into probably 10, 12 games ago,” he said. “I met with (coach Billy Donovan), and we spoke about it in order to close games and be an impact. Even when offense isn’t going great, you’ve got to be locked in on that side of the ball. So, I really tried to hone in that side. It’s not going to be perfect. It won’t be for anybody, but I just made an emphasis to really be locked in on that side of the ball.”
Giddey realized he needed to upgrade his defense after a November 15 game in which the Cavaliers repeatedly targeted him on that end of the court, Mayberry adds. He responded to the experience with extra film study and a commitment to bring more effort to his defensive responsibilities.
“There’s only so much film you can watch,” he said. “It’s your will and your want to do it. I flipped that switch, and I want to do it now. It’s something I’ve wanted to take pride in and put myself in those positions where I have to sit down and guard the ball. I’ve really tried to lock in on that side of the ball and make an emphasis of standing my ground and not being the weak link on that side of the ball. You get to a point in your NBA career where you are who you are, and I didn’t want to be that way on the defensive side.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- Ayo Dosunmu will be reevaluated in 10 days after straining his lower right calf in a December 23 game, the Bulls announced (via Twitter). He sat out Thursday’s contest with a sore Achilles, and medical imaging on Friday revealed the cause of the pain, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. “Let it calm down,” Donovan said. “No tears or anything like that, but certainly a strain showed up. With the way he plays, it’s probably in an area that will continue to cause problems unless he rests it. You’re always going to be susceptible to causing more problems. It was something that was caught earlier, which is a positive.” Cowley notes that Dosunmu was coming off his best stretch of the season, averaging 14.2 points and 6.4 assists in his last nine games.
- The Bulls appear to be quiet in trade talks, as Donovan indicated that team vice president Arturas Karnisovas hasn’t contacted him about any serious proposals, Cowley adds in a separate story. “I think he’s always been respectful that we’ve got games coming, and we’re talking about the team, the roster, where we’re at now, how we get better, how we improve, those type of things,” Donovan said. “But there hasn’t been anything of substance of ‘Hey, this is where things are at.'”
- Matas Buzelis may already be the Bulls’ best shot blocker, notes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. The rookie forward had two more blocks Saturday night and leads the team in that category even though he’s only ninth in minutes played.
So Giddey had to be reminded to try on defense and is now acting like everything is fixed after one decent game? Not buying it.
Yeah, I was thinking that “10 or 12 games ago” comment was dumb. How was he not thinking about his defense when he got dropped from the starting lineup last year or any time before that? The knock on him has *always* been his defense and 3-point shot.
The knock on him was always his defense, 3 point shot, finishing, ball handling, explosiveness
And going to high school proms
Hilarious comment I didn’t expect, Giddey was the final straw in my bulls fandom, I hope they never win again, Buzelis is their best prospect in years and these morons want to play 1 play in game so they are willing to stop his growth
How many times in the NBA have we heard that story…?
Defense was a reason why he got traded how is it now just sinking into his brain?
And a dark cloud too
Giddey looks to have locked down that starting PG job and for the time being Zach LaVine although seriously overpaid is their best player and owns that SG job. Ayo has really stepped it up this year as the team’s 6th man.
What if they decided to keep Zach and trade Coby White?
White would get you a really good return considering his contract, his production and his age. Whereas Zach has a terrible contract, is older and has injury history and no one wants to give up anything of value for him.
Just some ideas:
1. White and Smith for Sexton and Kessler
Kessler gives you the new long term centre for this side and Sexton and Ayo are the back up guards.
2. Coby White for Jock Landale and Tari Eason
If not Eason then Whitmore but I prefer Eason. Gives you a long term 3 and D forward and a back up centre, while Houston likely gets its long term point guard.
3. White and Vuce for Kuzma and Valaucanes
Kuzma for White, you need 3 and D forwards and have plenty of guards. Jonas gives you slightly better rim protection with less offence on a team friendly contract.
4. White, Vuce and a protected first for Bridges and Richards
Giddey Zach Bridges Williams Richards, that’s a nice little team that.
5. White and Pat Williams for Randle, Garza and Shannon Jr
Randle gives you a second all star calibre player to go with Zach. Then you reload on young depth in positions of need.
Frist 2, sure, others don’t move the needle much
Yeah the other 2 are more trying to win now moves but in reality you don’t have a top 10 player in order to actually win now.
That and the Bulls need to not win, they keep their pick if top 10. That should be their number one focus, rebuilding teams need as many young assets as possible.