Grading Josh Giddey: Did First Season with Bulls PASS the Test? | CHGO Bulls Podcast

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Josh Giddey. In his first season with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey recovered from a slow start and uncertain role to thrive as the engine of the team’s offense after the All Star break. He also showed signs of promise amidst the usual examples of his vulnerable defense. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Giddey’s season, and discuss what his overall performance means for offseason contract negotiations. Plus, the guys review the NBA Playoffs action from Monday night.

The CHGO Bulls crew begin their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Coby White. Following a breakout fifth season that saw him finish 2nd in Most Improved Player voting, Coby made more improvements in his scoring and efficiency in year six. And wow, that month of March! Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Coby’s season, and discuss his remaining potential for improvements and elevation to star-level player in the NBA. Plus, the guys review the NBA Playoffs action from over the weekend.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss Lonzo Ball's recent NBA contract extension with the Chicago Bulls at the NBA trade deadline. Did the Arturas Karnisovas and the Bulls make a mistake in re-signing the injury-prone point guard?

On this episode, the CHGO Bulls Crew breakdown a big night of action in the NBA Playoffs and recap their time at the CHGO Bears Draft Party Night 1. Also, we do e into the Bulls Free Agency off season. Who is under contract with the team, what players are restricted and unrestricted free agents and who is picking up their player option. Plus, we go over some free agent targets the Bulls should be looking at. Is Jonathan Kuminga on their radar? Can they afford him? What would be his role with the team? All this and more on the CHGO Bulls Podcast

The CHGO Bulls crew answer mailbag questions from the CHGO Diehards Discord, including what the dismissal of Peter Patton says about the organization. Patton, who earned big credit for his work as the Chicago Bulls head of player development over the past couple seasons, did not have his contract option picked up for next year. Joe Cowley reported that it was partly because he voiced unwanted opinions to those in charge. Is this the sign of a toxic power structure and team? Other mailbag questions include the future of Tre Jones, and whether Bulls fans are perhaps too “friendly towards rebuilds.”

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss the latest reports and rumors surrounding the Nikola Vucevic trade market for the Chicago Bulls this offseason. Joe Cowley reported that the team still plans to try to move their veteran center, who’s entering the final year of his contract. Despite lots of smoke nearing the trade deadline this season, the Bulls held onto Vucevic. Other than a brief late-season slump, the two-time All Star had one of the best seasons of his career. Could the Warriors still be interested? What about the Lakers or Spurs? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb break down all the potential trade destinations.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss different Eastern Conference playoff teams, especially the upstart Detroit Pistons, and weigh which roster-building models the Chicago Bulls should emulate. The Pistons have a promising future, with Cade Cunningham earning his first All Star selection this season at age 23. Plus, other homegrown talents like Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson are blossoming. Can the Bulls build something similar with Coby White, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis? What would be the ceiling of such a team? Or, should the Bulls look to land a stud free agent in 2026 to lead the younger core? Peck and Will Gottlieb wade through all the roster-building possibilities!

The CHGO Bulls crew react to Cooper Flagg officially declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, on the same day the Chicago Bulls lost a coin flip to be placed 12th in the NBA Draft Lottery. Given the team’s 39-43 season, and its potential for improvement, is there any “consolation prize” value to them being in the lottery at all, even with slim odds? Plus, Peck and Will Gottlieb discuss the Atlanta Hawks firing GM Landry Fields and the seemingly impenetrable job security of Arturas Karnisovas.

The Chicago Bulls have officially been eliminated from the NBA playoffs. As they head into the offseason, should VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley consider trading for a pricey star like Zion Williamson or Domantas Sabonis?

The CHGO Bulls crew react to the exit interviews of Josh Giddey, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic and other Chicago Bulls following their season-ending loss in the Play-In Tournament. How confident is Giddey after his post-All Star break performance? Does White believe that a potential core of himself, Giddey and Matas Buzelis can go the distance? And does Vucevic still see himself fitting into the Bulls’ future plans? Peck and Will Gottlieb break down the players’ answers. Plus, the guys chat with Marc Stein and get his thoughts on the conclusion of the Bulls season, and the tasks they face this offseason.