“He’s the real thing”: Bulls’ rising star Josh Giddey gains nod from three-time NBA champion

Luc Longley, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, provides a measured take on rising star Josh Giddey. Still active in the sport as part-owner of Australia’s Sydney Kings and Flames, Longley offers perspective on Giddey’s growth and impact in a highly competitive environment.

“It’s a little bit of a weird deja vu thing, I guess, seeing him in those uniforms, in that arena, doing what he does,” remarked the three-time NBA champion via The Guardian.

Even though he does not watch every Bulls game, Longley follows Giddey’s journey closely since the young guard joined Chicago. Watching Giddey suit up in the Bulls’ iconic red and black sparks memories of Longley’s own career alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

The bond goes further back, reaching to Longley’s junior representative days in the late 1980s, when he shared the court with Giddey’s father, Warwick.

“It’s a little bit surreal for me. Especially with my connection to his old man,” Longley continued.

Josh Giddey with the Bulls

Giddey’s play this season has been impressive, flirting with a 20-point triple-double while helping the Bulls reach a 9-7 record. Longley highlights the “blue collar” spirit of Chicago fans and recognizes the pressure on Giddey in a city still yearning for another championship since the team’s glory days.

“He’s tough as nails, he’s not really a chest pounder, but he lets his actions do the talking,” he added.

Longley left Chicago 27 years ago, the same stretch the city has gone without adding to its six NBA titles. “The lean years have stung the Bulls, stung the fans, because going from the penthouse to the outhouse is worse than the other way around.”

The elder Australian stops short of comparing Giddey directly to Jordan, noting their different backgrounds and playing styles, but he praises Giddey’s expanding offensive game. He sees room for Giddey to sharpen his scoring and shooting, which could boost his influence on the team.

“The reality is his offensive game has to be strong, he has to shoot the ball and be attacking.”

Luc Longley on Josh Giddey

Coach Billy Donovan’s decision to put Giddey on crucial inbounds plays in game-deciding moments shows the faith the Bulls have in him. As the season moves forward, Giddey’s play will be key not just for his growth but also for the Bulls chances as they aim to reassert themselves in the playoff picture.

“I believe in his talent. I believe in his intensity and I think his basketball intentions are pure. I really think he’s the real thing, and I can’t wait to sit in the stands and watch him do it. That would really join the dots for me,” Longley concluded.

The post “He’s the real thing”: Bulls’ rising star Josh Giddey gains nod from three-time NBA champion appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/bulls-josh-giddey-luc-longley