Arguably having the best seat in the world, Josh Giddey had a firsthand experience in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's superstar rise after sharing a backcourt with him for three seasons. He saw him go from a first-time All-Star to MVP runner-up.

Josh Giddey faced his former team for the first time back in October, when the Bulls hosted the Thunder during the first week of the regular season. But Monday’s contest represented the first time that Giddey had returned to Oklahoma City since the two teams completed the trade sending him to Chicago in exchange for Alex Caruso last June.

In the back halls of the United Center, which was barely home to Giddey then, he walked down the hall to the visitor’s locker room and into memories and well wishes. They all still communicate. They talk and text,