Chicago Bulls Guard Giddey To Miss Multiple Weeks

The Chicago Bulls just lost the focal point of their offense at a time when the team just seemed to be finding its groove. Josh Giddey's hamstring strain couldn't have come at a more critical moment for a team desperately clinging to playoff hopes. 

The 23-year-old Australian was having a career year, posting 19.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 8.9 rebounds per game before limping off the court against Minnesota on Monday. Giddey leads (or is tied for the lead) the Bulls in all three categories. Currently ranking third in the NBA in assists while flirting with All-Star consideration, Giddey has been one of just a few bright spots for the Bulls this season as they continue their ongoing retooling process. 

He is estimated to be sidelined for at least two weeks, maybe longer. There have been several hamstring injuries in recent NBA seasons where players have rushed back too soon, resulting in even more time on the bench.

The Bulls sit at 16–17, locked in ninth place in the East, two games behind the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, and just a game ahead of the Atlanta Hawks. While the Heat are dealing with injuries themselves, the Cavaliers and Hawks appear to have finally gotten healthy. Having just clawed their way out of a rough stretch where they lost seven straight games, the Bulls strung together a five-game winning streak, only to drop two of their last three. Without Giddey orchestrating the offense, those losses could start piling up fast.

Making matters worse, Coby White is also out with a calf issue, leaving Chicago with both of their starting guards sidelined simultaneously. The Bulls do have depth in the backcourt with Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu ready to step up, but asking them to replicate what Giddey brings—that court vision, the relentless playmaking, the triple-double threat every night—is a lot to ask.

The front office now faces an uncomfortable question: if the Bulls slide out of contention over these next few weeks, do they pivot to seller mode at the trade deadline? Giddey's absence might force their hand, turning what looked like a fourth straight play-in run into a lost season.