NBA: Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Josh Giddey’s breakout overshadowed by Chicago Bulls plunge

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 6:59 PM ET

Josh Giddey’s Chicago Bulls are struggling badly, and the media are raising concerns about a season slipping away and a possible trade mistake. The team began 6-1, its best start since the Michael Jordan era, but has since stumbled to a 3-13 run, dropping their record to 9-14.

In October and early November, the United Center was electric with optimism, as fans felt the Bulls had a real shot at the playoffs. Since then, the team has lost seven consecutive games, suffering lopsided defeats to lower-ranked opponents, and Josh Giddey’s squad has fallen out of the Eastern Conference play-in picture, raising serious concerns about their season.

After starting the season at an All-Star level, Josh Giddey’s production has dipped, and there is insufficient support around the Australian guard on Billy Donovan’s team as the Bulls struggle on both offense and defense.

The Bulls wasting Josh Giddey’s performances

“I really miss the two weeks it seemed Josh Giddey was a transformative superstar, that was really fun,” Bill Simmons remarked on his most recent podcast.

“It was just a triple-double waiting to happen every night, it was great times.”

Giddey is still posting career-high averages with 20.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, while connecting on 1.8 three-pointers at 39.6 percent. He also ranks second in the league with five triple-doubles this season, trailing only Nikola Jokic, who has 11.

However, as often happens in the NBA and most sports, stars on struggling teams receive less attention. If the Bulls’ difficulties persist, it will be difficult for Giddey to earn his first All-Star selection.

Nov 16, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) lines up before the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, the statistics suggest a quick turnaround is unlikely. Over Chicago’s 3-13 stretch, the team ranks 27th in the NBA in offensive rating and 26th in defensive rating.

This recent stretch raises even more concern beyond the losing streak itself, as many of the losses came against struggling teams, including the 3-22 Pelicans, 7-17 Hornets, 6-18 Pacers twice, 6-17 Nets, and a 13-12 Warriors squad missing both Steph Curry and Draymond Green.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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