OKC Thunder Rookie Has What It Takes To Be NBA All-Star, Says Aussie Sports Pundit

KEY POINTS

Giddey is a work in progress, but may only blossom with other established teams
NBA critics are awaiting Giddey’s first triple-double performance, something he has done in the NBL
Giddey can evolve into an All-Star in three to four years, says Aussie sports journalist

This 2021-22 NBA season, a lot of the attention has been on the top rookies such as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes.

But if one looks at past NBA Drafts, there are dark horses who will rise to the occasion. Glimpses of that have been seen from Josh Giddey, the sixth overall pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 19-year-old Australian cager may be a virtual unknown to most. But if one looks through his resume, he is the 2021 NBL Rookie of the Year.

While that may not necessarily transition to success in the NBA, the 6-foot-8 guard has already shown promise.

Giddey, the second-youngest player in the NBA, has already caught the eyes in the first few NBA games that he has seen action.

Moreover, he has already proven he can finish in double digits in scoring, rebounding, and assists.

That feat made him the second-youngest player to achieve the feat behind LeBron James.

Ironically, Giddey attained his first double-double and the first double-digit-assist game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, most believe that it may only be a matter of time when the 19-year-old can start racking up triple-doubles.

Considering he is the youngest player in the NBL to record a triple-double, that could happen in the next couple of years.

With Giddey making headlines on and off the court, there is a possibility that he could become a future All-Star, per Mark Brandon when he appeared on the Sports For All PH podcast.

“Josh is one of those kids, give him three to four years, he could be a potential All-Star. The only thing that may be holding him back is that OKC is much of a smaller market. There are not really much superstars there, and most teams these days need more than one or two superstars to elevate and make the team a household name,” Brandon stated.

For now, Giddey is focused on proving that he deserves to be in the NBA.

This early, however, he has already gotten attention for his skills, hopefully enough to make him another piece of the OKC Thunder puzzle.