Josh Giddey has earned recognition as one of the top point guards heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, according to HoopsHype’s latest rankings. The 22-year-old guard claimed the No. 15 spot among point guards, a projection that places him ahead of established veterans such as Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet, highlighting his rising status in the league.
HoopsHype’s Projection Places Giddey Among Elite Point Guards
HoopsHype recently published a list ranking the top 26 point guards expected to perform in the upcoming NBA season, based on assessments from their team members. While Giddey did not break into the top 10, his positioning at No. 15 demonstrates considerable respect for his potential impact. He slots in just behind LaMelo Ball at No. 14 and above the Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, who is ranked 16th.
This ranking notably positions Giddey ahead of more experienced guards like Fred VanVleet, who came in at 17th, and Kyrie Irving at 19th. Such placement signals confidence in Giddey’s trajectory, especially considering his relative youth and development curve.
Assessing Giddey’s Growing Influence as a Floor Leader
While rankings of this nature often invite debate, HoopsHype’s evaluation appears balanced, particularly in its appreciation for Giddey’s unique skills. The site described him as
“one of the most unique floor generals in the NBA,”
emphasizing his exceptional court vision and commanding presence. Beyond his playmaking, Giddey stands out as one of the top rebounders among point guards, a rare combination of size and skill at his position.
Giddey’s progression over the previous season is notable, especially in his improved scoring ability. He achieved a career-best three-point shooting percentage of 37.8% during the 2024-25 campaign, while also increasing his aggressiveness in attacking the basket. His height and physicality allow him to leverage his six-foot-eight frame effectively, particularly in the latter part of the season where he limited reliance on floaters and converted more finishes near the rim.
Over his final 19 games, Giddey averaged 21.2 points and shot 50% from the field, also drawing almost five free throw attempts per game, a significant jump from about two attempts before the All-Star break. These statistics suggest substantial growth in his offensive game and hint at the ceiling he might reach moving forward.
Challenges and Expectations for Giddey’s Continued Development
Despite these promising signs, questions remain about Giddey’s consistency and ability to sustain this level. Past performances during pre-playoff months like March and April have sometimes misled expectations. Such uncertainties likely influence contractual decisions and negotiations, as indicated by Chicago’s cautious approach in free agent discussions with him. HoopsHype’s rank factors in both his upside and these lingering doubts.
If Giddey can replicate or build on his late-season form out of the gate, there is potential for him to climb higher among this elite group. The guards ranked just above him include Jamal Murray (No. 13), Darius Garland (No. 12), and Derrick White (No. 11), all of whom pose tough competition, but Giddey’s versatility provides him with multiple ways to elevate his game and impact for the Chicago Bulls.
Implications of Giddey’s Ranking on Contract Talks and Career Outlook
This ranking reflects not only external views but also aligns with how Giddey’s representatives likely view his status. Being placed ahead of players like Jalen Suggs (No. 18), who reportedly commands a $30 million average annual value contract, and Immanuel Quickley (No. 23), with his recently signed $162.5 million deal, helps justify the value Giddey’s camp envisions.
For the Chicago Bulls, successfully locking Giddey to a contract within a $20 million per year range would represent a meaningful achievement. His ranking by HoopsHype underlines his rising star potential and suggests he is nearing an All-Star caliber tier, making this a pivotal moment for both his career and the Bulls’ plans.