Josh Giddey: from shining in Hospitalet to NBA record holder / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP – Scanpix Credit AP – Scanpix

Josh Giddey has been named Rookie of the Month for December in the Western Conference averaging 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.

Josh Giddey

MIN:30.44PTS:11.16 (42.12%)REB:7.68As:6.35ST:1.03BL:0.52TO:2.97GM:31ProfileNBA2021/2022

The Aussie guard is essential in Mark Daigneault's system. He has started in all the 31 games Oklahoma City Thunder played so far. In the first game of 2022, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. He finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists against the Dallas Mavericks.

He also became the 2nd rookie since 1973-74 (when steals were first tracked) to lead both teams outright in points, rebounds, assists, and steals in a game. The other rookie to have done that? His opponent in the game against Dallas: Luka Doncic.

Giddey is a special prospect. He was selected with the 6th pick of the NBA Draft 2021. Just a year and six months ago, he was named MVP of the Hospitalet tournament (one of the most prestigious U18 competitions in Europe).

He led the NBA Academy Australia team to an impressive victory against FC Barcelona in the final. The Blaugranas had in their roster players who have already made their debut in the Euroleague: Agustin Ubal and Michael Caicedo.

During those three days, Giddey showed an interesting handling and high basketball IQ. He was able to read what was happening on the court before the others and his wingspan helped him to be one of the best rebounders too. He reminded, in some way, his countryman Joe Ingles.

Some NBA scouts were staring at him. Even some important colleges like Iowa State or Arizona showed interest in recruiting Josh after that weekend and the following one, when he was named an All-Star in the Basketball Without Borders Camp.

He turned down all the offers. Giddey had other plans in his mind. He signed with the Adelaide 36ers in March 2020 to be part of a development program.

Now, he is living his dream in Oklahoma City, next to his older sister, Hannah, who is playing in Oral Roberts University, less than two hours down the road.

The youngest player in the NBA. Another Aussie, after Bogut, Mills and Ingles, shining in the best league of the world. And it is just the beginning.

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