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Bulls-eye: NBA star Giddey fills in for local basketball team in Frankston

Bulls-eye: NBA star Giddey fills in for local basketball team in Frankston

The Age05-05-2025
Australian basketball star Josh Giddey has begun his NBA off-season training – by taking to the courts in a local competition in Frankston.
The Melbourne-raised Chicago Bulls guard shocked locals at the Frankston Blues' stadium by playing as a fill-in for the Vales in the Monday night men's championship competition.
Footage emerged of Giddey knocking down a three-pointer, whipping off passes and delivering a highlight-reel block that wowed spectators – and those on his own team.
It's a far cry from nailing monster half-court buzzer-beaters to torpedo LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers, but Giddey was right at home on the old floor at Dreamstreet Lending Arena.
Giddey has enjoyed a career season with the Bulls, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, and is line for a bumper new five-year contract where he could earn more than $250 million.
The 22-year-old, now a restricted free agent, is currently on a four-year contract worth about $42 million.
Veteran NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has said he expects the Bulls will look to re-sign Giddey on a $47 million per season deal.
'This is the kind of play I thought he would have all year,' Windhorst told ESPN.
'The going rate for a starting point guard in the NBA is around $US30 million ... and he is their starter.
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