Aussies in the NBA: Josh Giddey

• Triple-double prodigy
• Youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double
• First rookie since Oscar Robertson to notch three consecutive triple-doubles

Josh Giddey is a dynamic playmaker whose versatility and court vision have quickly established him as one of Australia's most promising basketball talents.

Key Details

Name: Joshua James Giddey

Age: 22

Team(s): Chicago Bulls (current), Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point guard / Shooting guard

Size: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)

Weight: 216 lb (98 kg)

Playing Style

Josh Giddey's playing style is characterised by his exceptional court vision, passing ability, and versatility. Standing at 6'8", Giddey possesses the height of a forward but the skillset of a point guard, allowing him to see over defenders and make plays that smaller guards might struggle to execute. His ability to read the game and anticipate his teammates' movements makes him a formidable playmaker, capable of threading passes through tight spaces and creating scoring opportunities for others.

Giddey's size also gives him an advantage in rebounding, particularly at his position. He's not afraid to mix it up in the paint and secure defensive boards, often initiating fast breaks off the rebound. While his shooting has been a work in progress, Giddey has shown improvement in this area, and his ability to get to the rim and finish with either hand makes him a multi-faceted offensive threat.

Career

Josh Giddey's professional career began in Australia with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL). As part of the NBL's Next Stars program, Giddey quickly made a name for himself, becoming the first Australian to participate in this NBA pathway initiative. His lone season with the 36ers was nothing short of impressive, as he led the league in assists and secured the NBL Rookie of the Year award.

Giddey's performances in the NBL caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the sixth overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft. He wasted no time making an impact in the NBA, breaking records and turning heads with his mature play. In his rookie season, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, doing so at just 19 years and 84 days old.

His second season with the Thunder saw continued growth and development. Giddey's ability to impact the game in multiple ways became even more apparent, as he regularly flirted with triple-doubles and showed improvement in his shooting. His performances earned him recognition beyond just rookie accolades, with many observers noting his potential to become a cornerstone player for the Thunder's rebuild.

In the 2023-24 season, Giddey continued to showcase his versatility and playmaking skills. However, in a surprising move, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in June 2024. This trade marked a new chapter in Giddey's career, presenting him with the opportunity to play alongside established stars and potentially elevate his game to new heights.

On the international stage, Giddey has represented Australia with distinction. He made his debut for the Boomers in 2020 during FIBA Asia Cup qualification, becoming the youngest player since Ben Simmons to play for the senior national team. His performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged an impressive 19.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, earned him recognition as the FIBA Basketball World Cup Rising Star. He started at the point for the Australian Boomers at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Five Fast Facts

1. Became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 19 years and 84 days old
2. First Australian to participate in the NBL's Next Stars program
3. Led the NBL in assists during his single season with the Adelaide 36ers
4. Both of his parents were professional basketball players in Australia
5. Named the FIBA Basketball World Cup Rising Star in 2023

Career Highlights Timeline

2019: Won gold with Australia at the FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championship

2020: Signed with Adelaide 36ers as part of the NBL Next Stars program

2021: Named NBL Rookie of the Year; Drafted 6th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder

2022: Became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double; Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team

2023: Represented Australia at the FIBA World Cup, earning Rising Star honours

2024: Traded to the Chicago Bulls, marking a new phase in his NBA career

Josh Giddey's rapid ascent in the basketball world is a testament to his unique skill set and tireless work ethic. From his early days as a standout in Australian junior basketball to becoming an NBA lottery pick and setting records, Giddey has consistently exceeded expectations. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways - through scoring, rebounding, and especially his elite playmaking - has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greatest all-around players.

As Giddey continues to develop and refine his game with the Chicago Bulls, the basketball world watches with great anticipation. His journey from Melbourne to the NBA serves as an inspiration for young Australian players and further cements Australia's growing reputation as a basketball powerhouse. With his combination of size, vision, and basketball IQ, Josh Giddey is not just a rising star in the NBA, but a player who could potentially redefine the point guard position for years to come.