Coach Splitter's Bid to Mold Josh Giddey Into New Deni Avdija
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter is reportedly aiming to develop player Josh Giddey into a star similar to Deni Avdija, whom Splitter previously coached. However, analysts suggest Giddey lacks Avdija's explosive driving ability, as evidenced by a recent game where Giddey struggled offensively. While both players are skilled, Avdija's more aggressive approach to the basket and higher efficiency in drawing fouls and scoring from drives differentiate him significantly from Giddey.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter is reportedly trying to mold Josh Giddey into a star like Deni Avdija.
- Analysts believe Giddey lacks the explosive driving ability that characterized Avdija's game.
- Avdija's success path is considered difficult to replicate due to his unique playing style.
- Giddey struggled offensively in a recent game, scoring only two points on 1-of-10 shooting.
- Statistical comparisons show Avdija drives to the basket more frequently and effectively than Giddey.
NBA analysts are questioning whether Chicago Bulls coach Tiago Splitter can replicate the success he had with Israeli player Deni Avdija, suggesting that Josh Giddey, a player Splitter is now coaching in Chicago, lacks the same offensive explosiveness as Avdija. Splitter, who joined the Bulls this summer, is reportedly being tasked with developing Giddey in a similar fashion to how he helped Avdija achieve his first All-Star appearance.
However, a recent game highlighted the differences between the two players. While Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers celebrated a victory, Giddey struggled in the Bulls' loss to Toronto, scoring only two points on 1-of-10 shooting, with six assists and seven rebounds, alongside five turnovers. Analysts noted that Giddey does not possess the same driving-to-the-basket power that Avdija demonstrated.
The "Rip City Project" website, which covers the Portland Trail Blazers, stated that Avdija's success path is not easily imitable. They pointed out that while both players are capable of threatening triple-doubles due to their size and skill sets, a direct comparison is misleading. Splitter may help Giddey maximize his impact, but he cannot use him in the same way he utilized Avdija.
The analysis further elaborated on the distinct ways the players attack the basket. In the 2025-26 NBA season, Giddey ranked sixth in the league with 20.6 drives per game, while Avdija was first with 27.8 drives. Avdija also converted 53.3% of his field goal attempts from drives, compared to Giddey's 46.9%, and drew significantly more free throws (4.9 per game for Avdija versus 2.6 for Giddey). This suggests Avdija's drives are more forceful, often resulting in fouls, whereas Giddey relies more on finesse.
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