Australian Giddey to achieve NBA dream with Oklahoma City Thunder
William Huynh
Deputy Political Editor

BY JACK MAKEHAM

Australia’s latest basketball sensation Josh Giddey, from Melbourne, has officially begun the next stage of his career after being selected in today’s NBA Draft.

The 18-year-old reigning NBL Rookie of the Year, and former St Kevin's College Toorak student, was selected sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In a press conference held after the draft, Giddey said Oklahoma City was one of his “favourite teams”.

“To be picked by them, it’s a dream come true,” he said.

Oklahoma City welcomes their new Australian arrival. SOURCE: Twitter

Giddey is the most highly anticipated basketball prospect to come out of Australia since Ben Simmons, who was drafted to the NBA first overall in 2016.

Fans of the NBL during its 90s heyday may recognise Giddey as the son of scrappy forward Warrick Giddey, a key member of the Andrew Gaze-led Melbourne Tigers championship teams.

Unlike his father, Josh Giddey is a 203cm-tall point guard, providing a rare combination of size and elite passing ability, leading the NBL in assists per game last season.

Giddey has already fulfilled his desire to represent his country, being the youngest player since Ben Simmons to play for Australia’s national team, as well as being an emergency for Australia’s current Olympic squad.

Unfortunately for Giddey’s winning aspirations, his new home at the Oklahoma City Thunder is in the midst of a deep rebuild. The team does not look to be a competitive squad in the coming seasons.

However, it is clear that the Thunder see Giddey as a key asset going forward, having selected the guard several spots above his typical mock draft position. 

The NBL sends their best wishes to Giddey, who won Rookie of the Year in his first and only season in the league. SOURCE: Twitter

The point guard’s versatility and poise under pressure will allow him to contribute to the team whilst his shooting ability develops.

Oklahoma City will likely look to pair Josh Giddey alongside their current star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as its backcourt for the future.

Gilgeous-Alexander was the lone bright spot for the Thunder in a tough season last year, and the team will be hoping Giddey’s pass-first approach will complement the former’s scoring punch.

Many Australian basketball fans may see shades of Joe Ingles in Giddey’s game when he enters the NBA, with both players demonstrating playmaking ability that is uncommon for their size.

Fellow Aussie NBA player Joe Ingles sends his congratulations to Giddey. SOURCE: Twitter

Eager fans will get their first taste of Josh Giddey in a Thunder uniform at the 2021 NBA Summer League, which gets underway on August 8.