He said he wants to lead on the floor and be an extension of the coach, keeping teammates aligned when the game becomes difficult. That is a concrete job in a camp where Splitter is introducing his approach and Chicago's younger players are learning to operate together. It also makes Giddey's full participation useful immediately: the point guard can take part in the installation alongside the players he will be organizing.
Giddey was more cautious about the veteran label. He noted that he is entering his sixth NBA season while still 23, and said the description is subjective. In the interview, he pointed to his experience with a No. 1 seed and playoff series, along with time on a team at the bottom of the standings. He wants to use those different experiences to help players early in their careers.
Chicago announced a 21-player camp roster, with practices scheduled through Sunday, Oct. 4. The first preseason game follows Wednesday, Oct. 7, against Phoenix at the United Center. The announced schedule gives Giddey and Splitter six days of camp before the preseason opener. For now, the confirmed development is the starting point guard's unrestricted availability, with the team's on-court progress still to come.
