Former Thunder Guard Falls in Debut Despite 14 Points

The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey this summer for Alex Caruso in a deal that shook up the landscape of the Western Conference. In Giddey's debute for the Chicago Bulls, he did not have the same Smooth King Center Magic as before.

Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder shook up their roster this offseason in a big way. The Thunder elected to trade 2021 No. 6 overall pick Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls and gained two time all-defensive member Alex Caruso.

Giddey struggled to fit into the OKC Thunder play-style, needing the ball in his hands more and a liability in the defensive role he was thrust into with the Thunder's roster construction. After the Thunder rattled off 57 wins in the regular season and swept the Pelicans in the first round, things came to a head in Dallas as Oklahoma City were forced to bench Giddey - snapping a 218 game starting streak for the young guard - in hopes of grabbing a spark.

Giddey's much needed fresh start in the Windy City began in the Smooth King Center, taking on a Pelicans team he has previously dominated inside that building.

The lottery pick - who did not pick up a new contract extension prior to the deadline this week - poured in 14 points, hauled in five rebounds, dished out three assista and had as many turnovers on 11 shot attempts for his new bench boss Billy Donovan who gave Giddey the starting nod in his season opener.

The Chicago Bulls fell 123-111 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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