3 Ex-Thunder players who could thrive during the 2024-25 season
By Mark Nilon
Former Thunder Player No. 2) Josh Giddey
Easily the most noteworthy and arguably the biggest move made by the Thunder this summer was the trade that brought Alex Caruso to Loud City in exchange for Josh Giddey.
While the vast majority of spectators and analysts believe that OKC got a steal of a deal, there's a strong case to be made that the other participating team, the Chicago Bulls, also landed a solid return for themselves.
Are they tanking, or are they still looking to vie for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings?
Regardless of which path they choose to take, Giddey is someone who helps compliment them along the way.
Still only 21 years old, Giddey is a pure floor general inside of a traditional wing's body (measures in at 6-foot-8) who is a mere three seasons removed from going sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Throughout his tenure with the Thunder, he has shown an impressive ability to run an offense thanks to his elite court vision and slot into several positions thanks to his enviable, multi-purpose build, while sporting sound all-around averages of 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and just shy of a steal on 46.4 percent shooting from the field during this span.
Of course, Giddey has proven to be most impressive as a contributor when tasked with leading the charge as a primary handler, which is something he started to be utilized more as during the final month and change of this past season, as he posted 15.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 54.0 percent shooting from the floor and 36.2 percent shooting from deep over the final 20 contests.
Following a 2023-24 campaign filled with off-court troubles and consistent tweaks to his role on the court, it's more than likely that Giddey is looking to hit the ground running and put forth his best run yet during his debut in the Windy City and, simultaneously, upon entering a contract year.
With this drive, along with the fact that the Bulls have been in need of a pure point guard for the better part of the past three seasons, one should expect the former lottery pick to show out in 2024-25.