Look, I’m not saying Josh Giddey is the next Michael Jordan. But when you’re the only other Bulls player to do something “His Airness” accomplished, you’ve earned the right to take a bow.
The 23-year-old Australian guard just recorded back-to-back triple-doubles for Chicago, joining Jordan as the only players in franchise history to pull off this feat. Let that sink in for a second. Not Scottie Pippen. Not Derrick Rose. Not even Jimmy Butler during his productive Chicago days. Just Jordan and now Giddey.
Giddey’s Historic Performance Has Bulls Fans Buzzing
Here’s what went down: After posting 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in a loss to the Knicks on Sunday, Giddey came back Tuesday night against the 76ers and absolutely went off.
He dropped 29 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists in a thrilling 113-111 comeback victory. The Bulls trailed for most of the game, but Giddey wasn’t having it. With the game on the line, he found Nikola Vucevic for the game-winning bucket. Clutch doesn’t even begin to describe it. What makes this even sweeter? Giddey just moved past Pippen for second-most 20-point triple-doubles in Bulls history.
The Michael Jordan Connection Nobody Saw Coming
When Jordan went on his legendary seven-game triple-double streak during the 1988-89 season, he was averaging an absurd 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 11.4 assists. Giddey isn’t quite at those Jordan-esque numbers (who is?), but his current season averages are nothing to sneeze at. Through seven games, he’s putting up 23.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per contest. That’s basically a triple-double waiting to happen every single night.
Why This Matters For Chicago’s Future
The Bulls signed Giddey to a four-year, $100 million extension right before the season started, and so far, it’s looking like money well spent. Chicago has rocketed out to a 6-1 start, including a perfect 5-0 record at home. That’s not a coincidence when your new acquisition is orchestrating the offense like a maestro.
When asked about joining Jordan in the history books, Giddey kept it humble: “That’s cool. I mean, I’m not going to sit here and lie and say it’s not cool. But all the individual stuff comes as a byproduct of winning and being a part of a team.”
The Bulls head to Milwaukee next to face the Bucks on Saturday. Can Giddey make it three straight triple-doubles? Jordan did it, so there’s precedent. Either way, Chicago fans have every reason to be excited about what they’re watching unfold.
