Australian basketball star Josh Giddey is rapidly winning over Chicago fans after achieving something no Bulls player has accomplished since Michael Jordan over thirty years ago. The 23-year-old guard has recorded consecutive triple-doubles, cementing his place in franchise history while helping the team to their strongest start to a season since Jordan's peak years.
Making History in Chicago Colours
Giddey's landmark achievement came during a spectacular 24-point comeback victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Melbourne-born player delivered double-digit figures in points, rebounds and assists – the classic triple-double formula – culminating in a spectacular game-winning assist to teammate Nikola Vučević that dominated highlight reels.
When informed by reporters that he'd become the first Bull since Jordan to achieve back-to-back triple-doubles, the normally composed playmaker couldn't suppress his reaction. "Nah, it's cool," Giddey admitted with a characteristic head shake. "I'm not going to sit here and lie about it and say it's not cool."
From Oklahoma Uncertainty to Chicago Belief
Giddey's journey to this point hasn't been straightforward. After exploding onto the NBA scene with Oklahoma City Thunder – where he became the youngest player ever to record a triple-double in 2022 – his role diminished as the team reshaped around shooter Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Australian's limitations became apparent: inconsistent shooting, reluctance to attack the rim despite his size, and defensive struggles against quicker opponents. When Chicago traded popular defender Alex Caruso for Giddey, many fans questioned the move, wondering if the Australian could ever become a starting guard for a genuine playoff contender.
Seven games into the new season, perceptions are changing dramatically. Giddey is averaging nearly a triple-double with 23 points, shooting three-pointers above league average, and getting to the free-throw line twice as often as last season.
The Anti-Jordan Winning Chicago Hearts
Despite sharing that obscure statistical achievement with Jordan, Giddey represents almost the complete opposite of the basketball legend. Where Jordan was known for breathtaking athleticism and fierce competitiveness, Giddey operates as a pass-first, team-focused point guard whose game relies more on court vision and pace management than physical dominance.
Chicago fans, who have waited 26 years for another NBA championship, are embracing their unconventional new star. Social media has erupted with support, with one fan declaring "Michael Josh Giddey Jordan. It's over we winning three chips in a row" – a comment that received nearly 2,000 likes.
Most importantly, Giddey is delivering victories. The Bulls currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with just one loss, matching the record of his former team Oklahoma City. This represents Chicago's best start since Jordan's legendary 1996 season.
The Australian recognises the importance of his team's support. "I'm grateful I've got teammates and coaches who allow me to be in positions to be successful," Giddey reflected, emphasising that individual accolades come as "a byproduct of winning and being a very fun team to play with."
For Chicago supporters dreaming of returning to basketball glory, Josh Giddey's historic start offers something potentially as valuable as Jordan-era nostalgia: genuine hope for a successful future.
