Bulls Point Guard Josh Giddey Cuts Turnovers Under Tiago Splitter

Josh Giddey is playing cleaner ball for the Chicago Bulls as the team enters the regular season.

The point guard led the squad with 7.3 assists per game entering Wednesday's matchup against the defending champions. He committed only two turnovers per contest during that span.

Tiago Splitter has made ball security a top priority since he began his role as head coach. Last season, Giddey set career highs in both assists and turnovers. He averaged 9.1 assists and 3.6 turnovers. His first year with the Bulls saw that number drop to 2.9.

Splitter noted that Giddey is adjusting to handling the offense alone. Previously, the Australian played alongside other players who could bring the ball up the floor. Splitter said Giddey is doing a tremendous job of protecting the basketball. The coach stated that the assist-to-turnover ratio has improved significantly. Splitter admitted the team wants more aggression from the guard but believes the process is correct.

The starting lineup continues to adjust its shot selection. The team shoots 40.6 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three-point range. These figures are the worst in the league.

Splitter said the team is getting the shots it wants but is not making them. He described the situation as a slump that will eventually pass. Giddey agreed with his coach, noting that the team looks good in some stretches and poor in others. He said the goal is to extend the good periods and shorten the bad ones.

Splitter observed that the pace of the league has increased. He said the high intensity of regular season games is greater than the summer. He emphasized the need to manage player minutes and loads carefully to avoid injuries. Almost 15 percent of the league was on the injury report before Wednesday's games.

Nic Claxton is ramping up his return from a left hamstring injury. The plan is for him to travel with the team on its East Coast trip to Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Splitter said Claxton is almost ready and will participate in group activities. Patrick Williams and Tobe Awaka remain out with a right adductor strain and a left ankle sprain, respectively.