Josh Giddey opens Bulls camp without ankle restrictions

Josh Giddey enters Bulls training camp without restrictions from the right ankle surgery he underwent in May. Asked at Monday's media day whether the ankle required restrictions or maintenance, Chicago's point guard answered, "No restrictions," and said he was good to go. The Bulls open camp Tuesday at the Advocate Center under new coach Tiago Splitter.

That update brings Giddey to the point the team had targeted when it announced his right ankle arthroscopy May 13. The original medical release projected basketball activities in roughly three months and a return for the start of camp. His Monday answer confirms that the ankle is no longer restricting his participation.

Giddey's health update comes near the end of the Bulls' official media-day press conference, around 42:12. Earlier in the same session, he discussed what he wants to provide as the team's point guard.

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.