Josh Giddey is an Australian basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giddey’s talent was first noticed at the Australian Under-18 Championships in April 2019, where he led VIC Metro to victory, averaging 20.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. He continued his dominance on the international stage, as he earned Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors at the Torneo Junior Ciutat de L'Hospitalet in Barcelona with the NBA Global Academy.
Prior to the NBA, Giddey played in the Australian Basketball League NBL for the Adelaide 36ers. The young Australian made history as he became the youngest Australian to record a triple-double in an NBL game. He finished his lone season in the NBL with solid averages of 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.6 assists per game.
Prior to his NBA debut, Giddey also made his debut for the Australia national basketball team during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification, becoming the youngest player to play for the senior national team since Ben Simmons in 2013.
Selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Josh Giddey has captivated fans with his unique style of play, showcasing an enthralling gameplay. In the 2022/23 NBA season, Giddey played 76 games and averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.
Josh Giddey Triple Doubles
Josh Giddey has eight triple-doubles in his career as of November 2023.
As a rookie, Giddey etched his name in NBA history as the youngest player ever to achieve a triple-double, accomplishing this milestone at the age of 19 years and 84 days. On January 2, 2022, Giddey recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds in a regular season game against the Dallas Mavericks, as this performance made him the youngest player to achieve a triple-double, surpassing LaMelo Ball.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Giddey possesses the versatility that extends beyond the traditional roles of a guard. He is a great rebounder, often an uncommon skill for a player of his position. This ability to secure boards at a high level contributes significantly to his triple-double performances.
Moreover, Giddey's elite passing skills further enhance his triple-double potential. His scoring prowess, coupled with his rebounding and playmaking abilities, make him a constant triple-double threat.
Josh Giddey 20-point Games
Josh Giddey has accumulated 23 games with 20 or more points in his career, as of November 2023.
Giddey predominantly operates in a traditional guard role as he often assumes the playmaking responsibilities. He efficiently sets up plays for his teammates, including 2022-23 All-NBA First Team superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who typically takes the responsibility of being a scorer for the team.
In the dynamic backcourt duo of Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey, the Aussie star usually scores 10 to 20 points per game, providing a valuable scoring supplement to Gilgeous-Alexander. However, there are instances when Giddey erupts on the offensive end and scores a bulk of points.
A notable example occurred on April 12, 2023, during the NBA play-in tournament, where Giddey recorded an impressive stat line of 31 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in a thrilling victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This stellar performance not only underscored Giddey's scoring versatility, but also played a pivotal role in propelling the Thunder to the eighth seed game.
Josh Giddey College
Josh Giddey did not play for any NCAA Division I college.
Prior to the NBA, Giddey declined offers from NCAA Division I programs, as he decided to play in the Australian Basketball League NBL with the Adelaide 36ers.
This decision demonstrated his confidence in his abilities to play professional league at a young age. Giddey joining NBL, also served as a testament to the rising recognition of the NBL as a viable and developmental league for aspiring basketball talents.
FAQs
A. Josh Giddey hails from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
A. Warrick Giddey and Kim Giddey are Josh Giddey’s parents. Both of them are former basketball players.
A. Josh Giddey has eight triple-doubles in his career as of November 2023.
A. Josh Giddey has 23 games with 20 or more points in his career, as of November 2023.
A. In the 2022/23 season, Josh Giddey averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.