Photo: Oklahoma City Thunder/Twitter

New Chicago Bulls wing Josh Giddey will have a slow ramp-up during training camp as he recovers from a significant injury sustained while representing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Giddey revealed at the Bulls’ media day that he ruptured a ligament in his ankle during Australia’s final game of the tournament.

While the injury was serious, he expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he is on track to be available for the team’s opening night of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Despite the severity of the injury, Giddey’s recovery process appears to be progressing well. Chicago’s medical staff has opted for a cautious approach, allowing the young star ample time to ease back into basketball activities.

The player mentioned that the rehab process has been challenging, but he remains confident in his ability to return at full strength.

The Bulls are counting on Giddey to be a key piece of their rotation, and both the player and team are focused on ensuring that he is fully healthy before pushing for heavy minutes.

The Bulls acquired Giddey in a major offseason trade that sent defensive stalwart Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Giddey, known for his elite playmaking and court vision, is expected to take on a significant role as Chicago’s primary facilitator, especially with his ability to create for others at his impressive height of 6-foot-8.

His addition has sparked excitement among fans, as his versatile skill set complements the Bulls’ current roster, which includes established scorers like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

One key storyline to watch moving forward is Giddey’s potential contract extension. The 21-year-old is eligible for a rookie scale contract extension this summer, but there has been little news regarding negotiations between him and the Bulls’ front office.

Given his talent and upside, an extension seems likely, but both parties may be waiting to see how he fits into the team and how well he recovers from his injury before making any long-term commitments.

If he can quickly return to form and solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Bulls’ future, a lucrative extension could be on the horizon.

For now, both the Bulls and Giddey remain patient, focusing on the upcoming season while keeping an eye on his long-term development.

His health and performance early in the season will be pivotal not only for Chicago’s playoff aspirations but also for shaping the team’s future financial commitments.