The arrivals of Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain and Norman Powell have changed a lot for the Chicago Bulls, but one undeniable fact remains: The offense is still led by Josh Giddey.
Wilson has transformed the franchise in only a few months. But as good as he looked in summer league, he can't create his own shot against regular-season NBA defenses; Giddey will be doing most of that for him.
The Bulls expect Swain to become a high-level playmaker in time, but he's not ready to carry that burden now. Norman Powell isn't someone who can regularly get his own shot when possessions break down. Matas Buzelis is getting better, but hasn't proven he can lead an offense.
That leaves Giddey and his elite positional size, vision and passing to be the offensive fulcrum.
The Bulls' offense still revolves around Josh Giddey
Giddey has developed into an above-average NBA point guard. He's a true floor general who would rather facilitate than hunt his own shot, and, with his 6-foot-7 frame, gives the Bulls a unique offensive weapon.
Still 23 years old, Giddey has worked hard to improve as a shooter, and it's paid off: After shooting 31.0 percent from 3-point range over his first three seasons, he's knocked down 37.1 percent of his 4.5 attempts per game since arriving in Chicago.
His averages of 15.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists over his two seasons with the Bulls illustrate the different ways in which he can impact a game. He's an effective pick-and-roll ball-handler and facilitator; he's become a threat from deep, both off the dribble and off the catch; and he's one of the best transition playmakers in the league.
He's a poor defender and, unfortunately, will likely never be more than passable at best. The additions of Wilson and Swain will go a long way in covering up those weaknesses.
But the same is true in the other direction. Giddey's ability to efficiently run an offense is going to make things easier on those two rookies — and the rest of the Bulls' roster. And he'll absolutely need to.
Wilson's handle is too high and loose; defenses will repeatedly pick his pocket if he tries to plow his way to the rim. Swain wasn't able to create a ton of separation in summer league (not a great sign). Buzelis should be a much better isolation scorer this year, but that's still not his strength. Nic Claxton is strictly a rim-runner.
But Giddey can get Wilson and Claxton easy buckets inside on lobs, dump-offs or from flashy angles. He can get to the basket and kick out to open shooters like Powell and Buzelis. He can play off the ball and act as a second-side playmaker or whip passes on time and on target to keep defenses off balance.
Is it ideal to have Giddey as your offensive hub? Not really. But that's where the Bulls are right now, for better or worse. And, realistically, it could be a lot worse.
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