Josh Giddey is a Thunder disciple.
The Australian guard likely memorized all of Mark Daigneault's go-to phrases before he learned the national anthem when he arrived in the States as the sixth pick in the 2021 draft. Phrases like "zero and zero," which stresses the importance of focusing solely on the present.
But Giddey strayed from his teachings last September when the NBA released its 2024-25 season schedule. He couldn't help but look ahead to OKC's home game against Chicago on Monday, which marked his first trip back to Paycom Center since he was traded to the Bulls this past offseason.
"I had this one circled on my calendar," Giddey said. "Just to see everybody, be back in this building and see all of the guys and everybody in the organization that I built relationships with. ... I'm very happy to be back."
OKC dismantled Chicago in a 145-117 win. But even the downpour of Thunder buckets couldn't dampen a special night for Giddey as he revisited a place he called home for the first three years of his NBA career.
Of course, things had changed. Giddey went through his pregame shootaround in a black-and-red Bulls shirt. And when it was time to suit up, he ventured into the previously-unexplored away locker room.
But one constant was the love from OKC's crowd, which gave Giddey a round of applause when his name was introduced as a starter.
"It was fun," Giddey said. "This is the place I started my NBA career at, and I feel like I owe them a lot. To come back tonight to a nice reception was really special. This is a place I'll hold in my heart forever."
