The Chicago Bulls finally played in front of their home crowd in the United Center after playing two away games to begin their 2024–25 NBA season. On the second night of a back-to-back, Lonzo Ball took the court to support his team.
However, there was a more significant plot point since Josh Giddey was playing against his old team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in his third career game with the Bulls and his first in Chicago.
After being chosen by the Thunder with the sixth overall choice in the 2021 NBA Draft, Giddey played for the team for his first three seasons. Giddey discussed playing against his old team prior to the match.
“Obviously, you mark the day on your calendar for when you play your old squad. Giddey stated, “But you’ll never, ever hear me say a bad word about that organization,” according to Chicago Sports News’ K.C. Johnson. “Wholehearted, amazing folks. I am eager to see each and every one of them. I adore that organization.
Josh Giddey on facing OKC: "When you play your former team, you obviously circle it on your calendar. But you’ll never, ever hear me say a bad word about that organization. Top to bottom, unbelievable people. I’m looking forward to seeing them all. I love that organization."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 26, 2024
More than 108,000 people viewed Giddey’s quote after it went viral. The Bulls are losing badly at home, which is unfortunate for Giddey and his new club, but it’s not astonishing because Oklahoma City is a real candidate to win the championship.
As has been the case with players who leave the club, Giddey was extremely appreciative of his old team. Giddey departed after requesting a trade, and the Bulls will present him with a significant chance to improve.
Josh Giddey’s Chicago Bulls Debut Reaction to Boos.
On Wednesday night, the Chicago Bulls kicked off the NBA season against the New Orleans Pelicans but fell short, losing 123-111.
Zach LaVine, a two-time NBA All-Star, delivered a strong scoring performance with 27 points, hitting 10 of 17 shots and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. However, he also recorded a game-high seven turnovers despite his shooting success.
Josh Giddey, a former Oklahoma City Thunder guard, made his debut for the Bulls. The 2021 first-round pick contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 5 for 11.
Great find by Giddey to Vooch 🤝@CHSN__ | @joshgiddey pic.twitter.com/SnlsypZsqs
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 24, 2024
After the game, Giddey responded to the jeering he received from Pelicans supporters at every touch.
Giddey stated, through Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune, “I’m surprised it’s still gone on the way it was tonight.” It confused my teammates. There is little I can do about it. I’ve become used to it.
Josh Giddey on the boos from New Orleans fans tonight: “I’m surprised it’s still gone on the way it was tonight. It threw my teammates off. … I can’t do a lot about it. I’m used to it now.” pic.twitter.com/Or3u32fhuV
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) October 24, 2024
Giddey averaged 9.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds while shooting just 31.7 percent from the field during his four preseason appearances for the Bulls. Although the Bulls are not expected to be a strong team this season, it appears like they intend to give Giddey a lot of opportunities to develop.
On Friday, the Bulls will meet the Milwaukee Bucks in an attempt to win their first game of the season.
