Josh Giddey, the Australian basketball prodigy, has become one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. Known for his elite playmaking, high basketball IQ, and versatility, Giddey has garnered attention not only in Australia but across the globe. As one of the top young players for the Oklahoma City Thunder, his growth and development are being closely followed by fans and analysts alike. This article will delve into Josh Giddey’s career, his playing style, statistics, and everything you need to know about this future NBA superstar.
Who is Josh Giddey?
Joshua Giddey was born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, Australia, to a family with a strong basketball background. His father, Warrick Giddey, was a professional basketball player in Australia, and his mother, Kim, has also had an influence on his career. Raised in a basketball-centric environment, Giddey developed a deep love for the sport at a young age.
Josh’s talent was clear from early on, and his path to the NBA began in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), where he gained significant attention for his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities. Before making his mark in the NBL, Giddey played for the Melbourne Tigers’ junior team and honed his skills on the Australian basketball circuit.
The NBL Experience
Before entering the NBA, Giddey played for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL. His time in the NBL was pivotal in shaping his skills and boosting his visibility as a professional talent. During the 2020-2021 season, Giddey averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, earning him the NBL’s Rookie of the Year honors. His ability to impact the game in so many facets stood out, and his passing ability was frequently compared to that of elite NBA point guards. His impressive performance in the NBL earned him recognition as one of the most promising prospects for the NBA draft.
Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Josh Giddey’s journey to the NBA was solidified when he was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. His selection was a testament to the Thunder’s commitment to building a young, dynamic team, with Giddey seen as a potential cornerstone for the future.
Despite being one of the youngest players in his draft class, Giddey’s basketball IQ, size, and versatility made him a standout prospect. His ability to read the game and make pinpoint passes was highly valued by the Thunder’s front office. Giddey quickly became part of Oklahoma City’s youth movement, alongside other rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort.
Rookie Season Performance
In his rookie season (2021-2022), Josh Giddey immediately made an impact, showcasing his exceptional passing skills and ability to control the pace of the game. He averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, becoming one of the youngest players in NBA history to record a triple-double. His vision and ability to distribute the ball made him a primary playmaker for the Thunder, and his performances earned him widespread recognition.
One of Giddey’s most memorable performances during his rookie year came in a game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 2, 2022. In that game, Giddey recorded his first career triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. His ability to impact the game in so many ways solidified his status as one of the league’s top young players.
2022-2023 Season: A Step Forward
During his second season in the NBA, Giddey continued to develop his skills and refine his game. He increased his scoring average, contributing 16.6 points per game, while also maintaining his role as a playmaker with 6.2 assists per game. Giddey’s shooting percentages also saw an improvement, and he began to showcase a more aggressive offensive game, taking on a larger scoring load for the Thunder.
One of Giddey’s standout traits is his ability to make his teammates better. He constantly puts players in positions to succeed with his crisp, accurate passes. This playmaking ability, combined with his rebounding and scoring contributions, makes him an invaluable asset for the Thunder’s future.
Josh Giddey’s Playing Style
Josh Giddey is not your typical scoring guard. While many young players focus primarily on scoring, Giddey’s true strength lies in his ability to facilitate the offense. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he has an innate understanding of how to control the tempo of the game. As a point guard, Giddey’s primary responsibility is to create opportunities for his teammates, and he excels in that role.
One of the most impressive aspects of Giddey’s game is his vision. He has the ability to see passing lanes that others often miss and can deliver pinpoint passes with ease. Whether it’s an alley-oop, a lob pass, or a no-look dime, Giddey consistently showcases his creativity and flair as a playmaker.
Rebounding and Versatility
Giddey’s size (6’8”) gives him a significant advantage over many other point guards, and it allows him to be a strong rebounder. Despite being listed as a point guard, Giddey regularly grabs double-digit rebounds, using his height and basketball instincts to secure boards. His rebounding ability helps him push the ball in transition, often turning defensive possessions into fast-break opportunities for his team.
His versatility extends beyond playmaking and rebounding. Giddey is capable of guarding multiple positions, and his size and length allow him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. While not the most explosive athlete, Giddey’s high basketball IQ and anticipation makeup for his lack of sheer athleticism.
Scoring Ability
While Josh Giddey is primarily known for his passing, he has worked hard to improve his scoring. He has a smooth shooting stroke and is capable of hitting mid-range jumpers and three-pointers. Giddey is also adept at finishing at the rim, using his length and body control to finish through contact. While his scoring is still a work in progress, his overall offensive game continues to evolve, and he is becoming more confident in taking over games when needed.
Josh Giddey’s Impact on the Thunder
Oklahoma City has been in a rebuilding phase for the last few years, and Josh Giddey is one of the key pieces in their plan to return to playoff contention. The Thunder’s roster is filled with young, talented players, and Giddey is seen as the player who can help tie everything together. Alongside players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, Giddey provides the perfect balance of scoring and playmaking.
The combination of Giddey’s passing ability and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess makes for a dynamic backcourt duo. With the development of other young players like Holmgren, the Thunder have the potential to build one of the most exciting teams in the league over the next few years.
Playoff Aspirations
As Giddey continues to grow and develop, the Thunder’s playoff aspirations are also growing. While Oklahoma City is still in the early stages of their rebuild, they have shown flashes of brilliance. Giddey’s ability to facilitate and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial as the Thunder look to make a deeper push into the postseason in the coming years.
Off the Court: Personal Life and Legacy
International Representation: Josh Giddey is not only a star in the NBA but also for the Australian national team. He represented Australia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he showcased his skills on the international stage. Playing alongside other NBA stars like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, Giddey helped Australia secure a respectable finish at the tournament. His international experience only adds to his development as a player, and it gives him valuable exposure to the highest levels of competition.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement: Off the court, Giddey is known for his involvement in the community and his charitable efforts. He is committed to giving back, particularly to causes related to youth sports and education. Giddey’s influence extends beyond basketball, and he uses his platform to inspire the next generation of athletes.
What’s Next for Josh Giddey?
As Giddey enters his third season in the NBA, expectations are high for his continued growth. He has already proven himself to be one of the brightest young talents in the league, and his development as a scorer, defender, and playmaker will be key to Oklahoma City’s future success. With a potential All-Star appearance on the horizon and the Thunder’s promising roster, Josh Giddey’s journey is just beginning.
In conclusion, Josh Giddey has all the makings of an NBA star. His unique skill set, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities make him a player to watch in the years to come. As he continues to evolve and improve, it will be exciting to see just how high his ceiling can go in the NBA.
FAQs
What are Josh Giddey 2024–25 season statistics?
In the 2024–25 NBA season, Giddey has averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. Notably, since the All-Star break, his performance has surged, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists over the last 19 games. In a recent game against the Miami Heat, he recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists.
What is Josh Giddey’s playing style?
Giddey is renowned for his exceptional court vision and basketball IQ. Standing at 6’8″ (2.03 meters) and weighing 210 lbs (95 kg), he plays as a point guard but is versatile enough to contribute across multiple positions. His ability to facilitate offense, combined with rebounding prowess and scoring capability, makes him a unique talent in the NBA.
What is Josh Giddey’s background and family?
Born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Giddey comes from a basketball family. His father, Warrick Giddey, was a professional basketball player in the NBL, and his mother, Kim, played in the Women’s National Basketball League. His sister, Hannah Giddey, also plays basketball for the Oklahoma Oral Roberts Golden Eagles.
What are Josh Giddey’s future prospects?
With his impressive performances and rapid development, Giddey is poised to become a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls’ future. His all-around game and leadership qualities position him as a potential NBA All-Star and a key player in the Bulls’ pursuit of championships.
What is Josh Giddey’s injury status?
As of April 2025, Giddey is recovering from a right wrist injury. While he missed the final regular-season game, the Chicago Bulls are optimistic about his availability for the upcoming play-in tournament.
In Summary
Josh Giddey has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA. With his unique blend of size, skill, and vision on the court, he continues to impress fans and analysts alike. His ability to facilitate, rebound, and score makes him a standout player for the Chicago Bulls, and his future in the league looks incredibly bright. As Giddey continues to develop, there is little doubt that he will be a key figure in the Bulls’ rebuilding process and a potential future All-Star. With his determination, basketball IQ, and family support, Josh Giddey is definitely a player to watch in the coming years.
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