Coach Splitter's Task: Can He Replicate Avdija's Success With Giddey?
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter has reportedly been tasked with developing Josh Giddey similarly to how he developed Israeli star Deni Avdija. While Splitter helped Avdija reach an All-Star appearance, a recent article questions Giddey's ability to achieve the same level of success. Giddey's performance in a recent game was contrasted with Avdija's, highlighting differences in their driving and finishing abilities. The analysis suggests Giddey's style is less aggressive, making a repeat of Avdija's breakthrough unlikely.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter is reportedly tasked with developing Josh Giddey like he did Deni Avdija.
- A sports website doubts Giddey can replicate Avdija's success under Splitter's coaching.
- Avdija's All-Star appearance is contrasted with Giddey's recent struggles.
- Avdija drives to the basket more frequently and effectively than Giddey.
- Giddey's less aggressive style may prevent him from matching Avdija's performance leap.
A sports website, Rip City Project, has suggested that Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter has been tasked with replicating the success he had with Israeli star Deni Avdija during his tenure with Portland. Splitter, who joined the Bulls this summer, is credited with playing a significant role in Avdija's development, which culminated in his first All-Star appearance. However, the website casts doubt on whether Splitter can achieve similar results with the Bulls' new acquisition, Josh Giddey.
The article contrasts the recent performances of both players. While Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers celebrated a victory over Phoenix, Giddey struggled in the Bulls' loss to Toronto, scoring only two points with six assists and seven rebounds, but committing five turnovers and shooting 1-of-10 from the field. Rip City Project noted that Giddey is not the same explosive driver to the basket that Avdija proved to be.
While acknowledging that Giddey is capable of driving to the basket, ranking sixth in the NBA in drives per game in the 2025-26 season with 20.6, the article highlights that Avdija was ranked first in the same metric with an exceptional 27.8 drives per game. Furthermore, Avdija's drives resulted in higher field goal percentages (53.3% on 7.9 attempts) and more free throw attempts (4.9) compared to Giddey's (46.9% on 6.3 attempts). The analysis suggests that Avdija attacks the rim with more force, drawing more fouls, whereas Giddey relies more on finesse. This fundamental difference in attacking the basket is presented as a key reason why Giddey is unlikely to replicate Avdija's leap in performance, despite Splitter's coaching.
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