For over 35 years, the Chicago Bulls’ record books have been a fortress guarded by the shadow of Michael Jordan. But in the final months of 2025, Australian guard Josh Giddey didn’t just knock on the door—he blew it off the hinges.
In a season defined by his “anti-Jordan” style of selfless playmaking, Giddey has achieved a milestone that has stood untouched since 1989. By recording back-to-back triple-doubles earlier this season, and continuing a relentless pace of all-around dominance through December, Giddey became the first player in a Bulls uniform since “His Airness” to reach these specific heights of statistical versatility.
The Achievement: Breaking the 36-Year Drought
The historic moment arrived during a gritty stretch for Chicago. Giddey first dismantled the New York Knicks with a 23-point triple-double, only to follow it up 48 hours later with a massive 29-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist masterclass to lead a 24-point comeback against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In doing so, he became the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan in the 1988-89 season to record consecutive triple-doubles.
“When you hear your name mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Jordan, especially in this city, you almost don’t believe it,” Giddey said. “I just try to play the right way. If the stats come with it, great, but the win is what matters.”
Chasing the Single-Season “Crown”
Giddey isn’t just matching Jordan in streaks; he’s hunting his single-season records. As of late December 2025:
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Triple-Double Pace: Giddey has already logged 7 triple-doubles this season.
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The Jordan Record: Jordan holds the franchise record for triple-doubles in a single season with 15 (set in 1988-89).
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Historical Context: At just 23 years old, Giddey has already joined an elite “Hall of Fame” club, becoming one of only six players (including Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Jordan) to record 20+ triple-doubles in their first five NBA seasons.
The “Anti-Jordan” Revolution
While the stats are Jordan-esque, the style is uniquely Giddey. Where Jordan used sheer scoring gravity to bend defenses, Giddey uses telepathic vision.
His 2025 season has been a revelation for a Bulls team that has struggled for identity in recent years. Averaging nearly a triple-double (20.1 PPG, 9.2 REB, 8.8 AST), Giddey has transformed Chicago into one of the league’s most dangerous transition teams. His +6.1 on/off efficiency differential proves that his impact isn’t just “stat-padding”—it’s winning basketball.
What This Means for the Future
This isn’t a hot streak; it’s an arrival. By matching Jordan’s historic feat, Giddey has forced the NBA to view the Bulls through a new lens. No longer a “rebuilding” project, the team is now centered around a 6-foot-8 floor general who can dominate a game without ever needing to be the primary scorer.
As All-Star voting opens this week, Giddey’s name is at the top of every ballot in the Eastern Conference. He hasn’t just reached “rarified air”—he’s made it his own.
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