Josh Giddey kicked off his Olympics career in the 2024 men's 5-on-5 basketball tournament as Australia defeated Spain 92-80 in the event's opening game. The Chicago Bulls' offseason acquisition was efficient but not flawless, delivering 17 points (7/12 FG), eight rebounds, eight assists, and five turnovers in 29 minutes.
Josh Giddey's Strengths on Display
Josh Giddey is rightfully well-regarded for his passing skills, which were on display when the Australia "Boomers" moved the ball in transition offense against Spain, with a notable example occurring in the second quarter at the 4:03 mark.
Giddey's passing also looked sharp in the half-court offense when he had opportunities to execute short roll passes (passes on the move typically from the free-throw line) and post passing in split actions (Draymond Green is well-known for these passes in the NBA).
Beyond the Box Score
Bulls fans have to be excited by Josh Giddey's performance in his first Olympic basketball game based on his stat sheet results. However, there are non-statistical aspects of Giddey's game that factor into fans' perception of how well Giddey performed against Spain and how that might translate to the Bulls.
Giddey looked like a perimeter defensive liability as he was repeatedly screened by the Spanish offense throughout the game. The impact of Giddey's deficient screen navigation was on display in the second quarter when he died on a screen that led to an uncontested Sergio Lllul three-point make (one of two makes in the second quarter).
Giddey committed to attacking the rim on offense against Spain, which is good in general. However, Giddey's finishing at the rim had shaky moments such as committing an offensive foul at the 1:29 mark in the second quarter because he lowered his shoulder on a drive to the basket.
More broadly, Giddey's shot diet near the rim against Spain was primarily a collection of floaters and layups that were contested without any contact. Giddey also front-rimmed a missed layup late in the fourth quarter. Bulls fans should question how effective Giddey will be finishing at the rim against longer, more athletic NBA rim defenders.
Based on Giddey's first 2024 Olympics game, it appears that the Bulls' newcomer needs more strength to improve his ability to finish at the rim on offense and fight through screens more consistently on defense. Some Bulls fans will say, "He's only 21, he has time to develop." That may be true, but he's also played NBA basketball for three seasons, all as a starter.
My Bulls On Tap conversation with Nick Hauselman informs my opinion on NBA player development. From my point of view, Giddey's development clock started ticking in 2021 as a rookie for the Oklahoma City Thunder. At some point very soon, his game will have to be judged in the context of an NBA veteran and not as an upside project. How are the Bulls doing with their development projects anyway?
What's On Tap Next?
Josh Giddey and Australia will be back in action Tuesday against Canada. U.S. broadcasts of Group Stage 5-on-5 basketball air twice a day on game days at 4:00 AM CT and 4 PM CT on NBC-affiliated television channels.
