Coach Splitter's Bid to Replicate Avdija's Success With New Star Josh Giddey
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter is reportedly being asked to replicate his success with Israeli player Deni Avdija by developing player Josh Giddey. An analysis suggests Giddey lacks Avdija's explosive drive-to-the-basket ability, a key factor in Avdija's unique career trajectory. While both players are capable of triple-doubles, their offensive styles and effectiveness in attacking the rim differ significantly, impacting how Splitter can utilize them.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Coach Tiago Splitter is tasked with developing Josh Giddey similarly to how he developed Deni Avdija.
- Analysis suggests Josh Giddey lacks Deni Avdija's explosive offensive capabilities.
- Deni Avdija's unique success path is considered difficult to emulate.
- Player comparisons based solely on triple-double potential are deemed misleading.
- Avdija drives to the basket more frequently and effectively than Giddey.
- Avdija draws more fouls from drives than Giddey.
An analysis by the "Rip City Project" suggests that Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter, who previously helped Israeli player Deni Avdija achieve his first All-Star appearance, is now tasked with developing player Josh Giddey. The publication notes that while Splitter played a significant role in Avdija's career progression, Giddey's performance in the Bulls' season opener against Toronto indicated he may not possess the same explosive offensive capabilities as Avdija.
Avdija, entering his seventh NBA season, is described as a unique player whose success path is difficult to emulate. The "Rip City Project" argues that a simple comparison between players capable of triple-doubles, based on their size and skill set, is misleading. While Splitter is expected to help Giddey maximize his impact, the article posits he cannot utilize Giddey in the same manner as Avdija.
The analysis highlights key differences in their offensive approaches. In the 2025/26 season, Giddey ranked sixth in the NBA with 20.6 drives to the basket per game, while Avdija led the league with an exceptional 27.8 drives. Furthermore, Avdija shot 53.3% from the field on 7.9 attempts per game stemming from drives, compared to Giddey's 46.9% on 6.3 attempts. Avdija also averaged 4.9 free throw attempts from drives, versus Giddey's 2.6, indicating Avdija's more aggressive style of attacking the rim and drawing fouls, while Giddey relies more on finesse.
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