Josh Giddey and Coby White, two young, promising guards for the Chicago Bulls, have sparked discussions amongst fans about their NBA ceilings.
Giddey, the 22-year-old playmaker acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder, brings versatility and elite passing. White, in his sixth year with the Bulls, has evolved into a number-one scoring option and shown flashes of brilliance.
As the Bulls navigate what’s left of the 2024-25 season — holding the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference — the question looms: which of these guards (if either) is destined for stardom? This analysis breaks down their skill levels, recent performances, and the challenges they face in becoming NBA stars.
Josh Giddey: The Playmaking Prodigy
Strengths and Recent Form
Giddey’s game is defined by his exceptional vision and size (6-foot-8) for a guard, allowing him to direct the Bulls’ offense seamlessly. Since the All-Star Break, he’s averaged an impressive 23.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over ten games, showcasing his diverse game.
Josh Giddey spin in transition pic.twitter.com/EoyMdP6xEM
— HNH (@hoopsnhighlites) March 10, 2025
His season-high 29 points against the Indiana Pacers on March 10, paired with 10 rebounds, highlights his elevated scoring touch. On Feb. 26 against the Clippers, Giddey became the third guard in Chicago Bulls history to record four straight 20-point double-doubles.
Path to Stardom
Giddey’s star potential depends on his ability to consistently refine his scoring efficiency and defensive impact.
His 46.3% career field goal percentage is laudable, but his career 32.7% three-point shooting percentage is a bit concerning. In Oklahoma City, he thrived playing next to elite wing defenders, but Chicago’s 29th-ranked defensive rating has placed considerable demands on him on that side of the ball.
If Giddey can consistently make outside shots and develop better defensive instincts, his triple-double threats could make him a perennial All-Star.
Josh Giddey's biggest improvement this season has been his three-point shooting. And when defenses have to respect his shot, the floor opens up for not just him, but the entire Bulls offense. pic.twitter.com/61ymBjYTtN
— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) March 9, 2025
Obstacles
Injuries, like a right ankle sprain suffered against the Pacers, squashed some of Giddey’s momentum this season. Unfortunately, it was the same ankle Giddey injured during his Olympic run.
Additionally, his fit alongside White in Chicago’s backcourt raises questions about ball dominance and who should be the primary playmaker. As the Bulls enter the 2025 offseason, Giddey’s reported $30 million-per-year asking price suggests his own supreme belief in his upward trajectory.
Bulls content creators and media believe the front office should let other teams set the market for Giddey. If that occurs, it would suggest internal uncertainty about his ceiling.
Coby White: The White-Hot Scorer
Strengths and Recent Form
Since last season, Coby White has emerged as a legitimate scoring force, averaging 19.5 points per game this season and riding a career-best ten-game streak of 20+ points as of Mar. 20.
His 44-point performance against the Magic on March 6 marked a career high and underscored his ability to dominate games.
White’s 31-point performance in a comeback win over the Nets on Mar. 13 continued the narrative of him as a number-one option. He’s averaged 27.3 points over his last 10 games, proving he can carry an offense.
Coby White has a six-game streak of scoring at least 20 points. 🔥
Can he stay hot tonight against the Nets? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/NbmBMJ1JdW
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) March 13, 2025
Path to Stardom
White’s star potential rests on his scoring versatility and improved playmaking. Last season, he established himself as a lead ball handler, posting career highs in minutes and usage.
White has found success slashing to the hoop. From Feb. 28 to Mar. 13, 39% of his shots came at the rim, which ranked in the 89th percentile during that span. His field goal percentage of 57.6% on those drives was fifth best.
His three-point efficiency has also increased. During the Bulls’ four-game win streak from Mar. 6-13, White shot 49.9% from distance, helping him round into a dual-threat guard. If he can pair shooting with consistent facilitation (currently averaging 4.5 assists per game), his star potential looks even brighter.
Obstacles
Consistency remains White’s Achilles heel. His streaky shooting, occasional defensive lapses, and lack of length limit his reliability as a two-way player. Giddey’s presence as the primary ball handler could also potentially stunt his growth as a primary creator, and the constant adjustments to his role could give rise to frustration for a young player seeking a bigger payday after next year.
Comparing Their Trajectories
As of mid-March 2025, Giddey’s per-game averages (13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists) reflect his all-around impact, while White’s (19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists) lean more heavily towards scoring. Giddey’s youth gives him a longer runway, but White’s five seasons of NBA experience offer a more polished product.
The Bulls’ lack of a definitive “core” complicates both players’ paths. Giddey’s playmaking would thrive even more with better shooters around him, yet the team lacks consistent outside threats like Zach LaVine.
White, meanwhile, excels at using his speed to get downhill against defenses, but Giddey occupies much of the space he needs to do so. Their overlapping skillsets could either complement or clash, depending on the coaching staff’s offensive evolution, but the initial results since the All-Star Break have been promising.
Josh Giddey & Coby White led the way for Chicago's 3rd straight win!
Giddey: 29 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST
White: 29 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST pic.twitter.com/H6c3KBlwhi— NBA (@NBA) March 11, 2025
Who’s Destined for Stardom?
It would appear that Josh Giddey gets the nod here.
He has a rare blend of size, vision, and rebounding as the lead guard. At 22 years old, he consistently fills the stat sheet, flirting with triple-doubles regularly. His post-All-Star Break numbers indicate that there is still plenty of untapped potential and room to grow. However, his pathway to stardom will rely heavily on shooting consistency and good health.
Going into his seventh year next year, Coby White will be closer to his prime. Although he has shown flashes of being a high-level scorer, his inconsistency and limited playmaking fall below Giddey’s ceiling by comparison.
Ultimately, Giddey seems more destined for stardom if he unlocks his full potential.
But having two talents chasing greatness amid uncertainty is not a bad problem to have.
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