If you are a fan of basketball, you might have heard of Josh Giddey, the young and talented player who is making waves in the NBA. Giddey is a 21-year-old shooting guard/small forward who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He was selected by the Thunder with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, becoming the highest-drafted Australian player in NBA history. But who is Josh Giddey, and how did he become one of the most promising prospects in the league? Let’s take a look at his biography and career highlights.
Early Life and Career
Giddey was born on 10 October 2002 in Melbourne, Australia, to a family of basketball players. His father, Warrick, was a longtime player for the Melbourne Tigers in the Australian league, and his mother, Kim, played for the Tigers in the women’s league.
His sister, Hannah, also played college basketball in the US. Giddey grew up in Yarraville and attended St Kevin’s College in Melbourne, where he showed his potential as a basketball star.
Giddey later joined the NBA Global Academy, a training center at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, where he honed his skills and competed against international talent.
He led the NBA Global Academy to win the Torneo Junior Ciutat de L’Hospitalet in Barcelona in 2020, where he earned the MVP honors. He also participated in the Basketball Without Borders camp at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, where he was named an all-star.
Professional Career
In 2020, Giddey signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL) as part of the Next Stars program, a pathway for NBA draft prospects. He became the first Australian player to join the program, turning down offers from several NCAA Division I programs.
He made his NBL debut in January 2021 and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. He averaged 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, becoming the youngest Australian in NBL history to record a triple-double. He also won the NBL Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All-NBL Second Team.
In April 2021, Giddey declared for the 2021 NBA draft, where he was projected as a lottery pick. He impressed scouts and analysts with his size, vision, passing, and versatility. On 29 July 2021, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the sixth overall pick, joining fellow Australian and Thunder legend Steven Adams.
He signed his rookie contract with the Thunder on 8 August 2021 and made his NBA debut on 20 October 2021. He scored his first NBA points on a three-pointer and finished with four points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in a loss to the Utah Jazz.
Giddey has since shown his potential as a future star in the NBA, averaging 11.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game as of 15 February 2022. He became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, doing so at 19 years and 84 days old.
He also became the first player since Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1961 to record three consecutive triple-doubles as a rookie. He has earned praise from his teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans for his maturity, work ethic, and leadership.
Personal Life
Giddey is a proud Australian who represents his country on the international stage. He played for the Australian national team at the 2019 FIBA Oceania Under-17 Championship, where he helped his team win the gold medal.
He also played for the senior national team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he was named the Rising Star of the tournament. He is currently preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he hopes to lead Australia to its first-ever medal in men’s basketball.
Giddey is also a humble and generous person who gives back to his community. He supports various charities and causes, such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Australian Red Cross, and the NBA Cares program.
He is also an ambassador for the Hoops 4 Health initiative, which promotes healthy living and physical activity among children and youth. He often visits schools and basketball camps to inspire and mentor the next generation of players.
Giddey is not currently dating anyone, as he is focused on his basketball career and personal growth. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, listening to music, playing video games, and watching movies. He is a fan of the Harry Potter series and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also likes to travel and explore new places and cultures.
What Are Some Of Josh Giddey's Strengths And Weaknesses?
Josh Giddey is a talented Australian basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Some of his strengths and weaknesses are:
Strengths:
Great size (6-foot-8) and vision as a point guard
Elite passer and playmaker who can create for his teammates in different situations
High basketball IQ and feel for the game
Good rebounder and defender who uses his length and instincts
Versatile and can play multiple positions
Weaknesses:
Average athlete who lacks explosiveness and quickness
Inconsistent and slow shooter who needs to improve his range and mechanics
Struggles to create separation and score against elite defenders
Too passive and unselfish at times
Needs to add strength and muscle to his frame
Giddey is a promising prospect who has a lot of potential to improve his game and become a star in the NBA. He is already making history as the youngest player to record a triple-double and the first player since Oscar Robertson to record three consecutive triple-doubles as a rookie. He is also a proud representative of his country and a role model for many young players.
What Are Some Of Josh Giddey's Endorsement Deals?
Josh Giddey is a popular Australian basketball player who has signed several endorsement deals with various brands and companies. Some of his endorsement deals are:
Nike: Giddey signed a multiyear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Nike in September 2021, joining other top rookies like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes. He is expected to wear Nike’s new Greater Than series of shoes on the court.
Weet-Bix: Giddey has a $40 million endorsement deal with Australian cereal brand Weet-Bix, which is owned by Sanitarium. He is featured on the packaging and in the commercials of the product, which is popular among Australian kids and families. However, this deal is in danger of being terminated amid allegations of misconduct by Giddey, which he has denied.
Josh Giddey Net Worth
Josh Giddey’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $10 million as of 2024. His main source of income is from his NBA career, where he currently earns a salary of $6.5 million per year. He also has endorsement deals and other investments that contribute to his wealth.
Controversy And Activism Of Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey is an Australian basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He is currently facing controversy and investigation over allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The allegations were made by an Instagram user named OC Beers, who claimed that Giddey was dating Liv Cook, a high school junior.
The user posted videos and images allegedly showing Giddey and Cook together, before deleting them. However, some other users downloaded and reshared the content online. The NBA and the Newport Beach Police Department are looking into the matter to determine whether Giddey committed a crime or violated the league’s policies.
Giddey has not commented on the allegations, except to say that he has no further comment at this time. His coach, Mark Daigneault, also said that it is a personal matter and he has no comment on it. Giddey’s status and availability for the Thunder have not changed during the ongoing investigation.
He continues to play and perform well on the court, averaging 11.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game as of 15 February 2022. He has also made history as the youngest player to record a triple-double and the first player since Oscar Robertson to record three consecutive triple-doubles as a rookie.
Giddey is also known for his activism and charity work. He supports various causes, such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Australian Red Cross, and the NBA Cares program. He is also an ambassador for the Hoops 4 Health initiative, which promotes healthy living and physical activity among children and youth.
He often visits schools and basketball camps to inspire and mentor the next generation of players. He also represents his country on the international stage, playing for the Australian national team at the 2019 FIBA Oceania Under-17 Championship and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He is currently preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he hopes to lead Australia to its first-ever medal in men’s basketball.
Conclusion
Josh Giddey is a remarkable young man who has achieved a lot in his short career. He is a rising star of Australian basketball and a potential superstar in the NBA. He is also a role model and a leader who inspires others with his passion, talent, and personality. He is definitely someone to watch and admire in the years to come.
