If you want an idea of just how good Josh Giddey has been this season, you only have to look at the MVP betting markets at the moment. Giddey is currently ninth in the line of betting at Sportsbet, ahead of already established superstars like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Steph Curry. This positioning is not just a fluke; it reflects the significant impact Giddey is having on the court.
While some might argue that there is a degree of Australian bias in these odds, a glance at FanDuel Sportsbook reveals a similar story. There, Giddey is tied with Mitchell, Brunson, and Curry, still maintaining a spot as the ninth-favorite for the NBA’s top honor. This is a remarkable feat for the 23-year-old guard, emphasizing his growing influence in the league.
Giddey’s Breakthrough Season
Giddey’s latest statement game, which saw him become the first Chicago player to record back-to-back triple-doubles since the legendary Michael Jordan, has the NBA on notice. The Giddey-led Bulls have surged to a stunning 6-1 start to the season, now sitting ahead of Eastern Conference favorites New York and Cleveland in top spot. This confident, aggressive version of Josh Giddey is making waves across the basketball world.
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA star, went as far as to declare on his show that he would choose Giddey over $315 million Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball if he were building a new team.
“The reason you give me Giddey is I don’t have to be a smart general manager,” Arenas said. “If I have Giddey and I say, ‘Alright, let me get Maxey’. He’s going to mesh with him. He knows how to play with a guy like that.”
The Debate: Giddey vs. Ball
While Arenas praises Giddey’s adaptability, others like Chandler Parsons offer a different perspective. On FanDuel’s ‘Run It Back’, Parsons stated that he still values Ball as a talent over Giddey.
“LaMelo Ball is a franchise-type player, Josh Giddey isn’t,” Parsons said. “Josh Giddey is a very good point guard. He’s having a very good year. He’s not that talented, highly-touted guy that LaMelo Ball is.”
Despite this, Parsons conceded that Giddey is the “better point guard right now.”
Analyzing Giddey’s Contract and Performance
Despite some concerns over Giddey’s shooting and defense from his time in Oklahoma City, his four-year, $100 million contract signed in the offseason is seen as a sound investment. Bulls icon and broadcast analyst Stacey King has been vocal about Giddey’s potential, stating that he “has a chance to be arguably the best point guard in the league.”
King praised Giddey’s improvements, particularly in defense and three-point shooting.
“He’s shooting close to 45 percent from the three-point line. He’s going out and guarding people. He’s rebounding the basketball like a power forward,” King said.
Giddey’s Place in the MVP Race
While Giddey may not win the MVP award this season, his performance has certainly placed him in the conversation. Adam Mares from the All NBA Podcast emphasized Giddey’s importance to the Bulls’ success.
“If you were making a list of MVP candidates, he’s on the list because they’re 6-1,” Mares said. “He’s the motor behind it, his numbers are insane — he’s almost averaging a triple-double.”
Giddey is currently averaging career-high marks of 23.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, sitting fifth in the league for assists. His ability to read the floor and facilitate plays has been a standout trait, drawing praise from NBA analyst Tim Cato.
“The physicality has absolutely stood out,” Cato said. “He is playing at an All-Star level right now.”
The Road Ahead for Josh Giddey
As Giddey continues to develop, the debate over his value compared to other young stars like LaMelo Ball will persist. His performance this season has already sparked discussions about his potential to become a multiple-time All-Star. With the NBA’s All-Star Game reportedly featuring a World team this year, Giddey’s odds of selection are promising given his current form.
Ultimately, Giddey’s rise in the NBA is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. As he continues to refine his game, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how high he can climb. For now, Josh Giddey is not just a name in the MVP betting markets; he is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
