Josh Giddey, the Aussie point forward with a dazzling passing repertoire and lanky frame, has been a revelation since entering the NBA in 2021. His blend of size, vision, and basketball IQ has captivated fans and analysts alike. Let’s delve into his statistical journey, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
From Down Under to the Bright Lights: Giddy’s Early Numbers
Drafted 6th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021, Giddey honed his skills in Australia’s NBL with the Adelaide 36ers. There, he averaged a well-rounded 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a remarkable 7.4 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in every facet.
The transition to the NBA, a more physical and fast-paced league, saw a slight dip in Giddey’s scoring average (12.5 points) during his rookie season. However, his elite passing translated beautifully, with Giddey flirting with triple-doubles on numerous occasions.
Fun Fact: At just 19 years old, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to notch a triple-double with rebounds and steals.
Sharpening the Saw: Giddy’s Statistical Improvement
The 2022-23 season witnessed a significant leap in Giddy’s scoring efficiency. He averaged a career-high 16.3 points per game, showcasing a more developed offensive arsenal. While his rebounding dipped slightly (7.4 RPG), his assist average remained steady at a stellar 6.3 APG.
This scoring improvement can be attributed to Giddy’s expanding offensive repertoire. While not a lights-out shooter (career 3PT%: 32%), he displayed increased confidence attacking the rim and taking mid-range jumpers.
Key Moment: In March 2023, Giddey exploded for a career-high 31 points, a glimpse of his offensive potential.
Defensively, Giddey is still a work in progress. His slender build makes it challenging to guard bigger wings, but his high basketball IQ and hustle help mitigate this to an extent.
Statistical Breakdown: A Deep Dive
Here’s a closer look at Giddey’s key stats, highlighting his strengths and areas for growth:
Scoring (13.9 PPG career average): While not a prolific scorer yet, Giddey’s efficiency has improved (career FG%: 46.4%). He excels at driving and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Rebounding (7.3 RPG career average): An above-average rebounder for his position, Giddey utilizes his height and anticipation to snag boards.
Assists (5.7 APG career average): Arguably Giddy’s strongest suit, his elite passing vision finds open teammates with pinpoint accuracy and creativity. His ability to orchestrate plays makes him a valuable asset.
Steals (0.6 SPG career average) & Blocks (0.6 BPG career average): Not the strongest perimeter defender, Giddy’s steals and block numbers are relatively low due to his lack of size.
Beyond the Numbers: The “X” Factor
Statistics provide a valuable snapshot, but they don’t capture the full picture. Here are some of Giddy’s intangibles that significantly impact his team:
Floor General: Giddy’s basketball IQ allows him to control the tempo of the game and make smart decisions with the ball.
Leadership: Despite his young age, Giddey displays strong leadership qualities, vocal on the court, and encourages his teammates.
Versatility: Able to play both point guard and shooting guard, Giddey offers lineup flexibility, allowing coaches to adjust based on matchups.
A New Chapter: Giddey Joins the Chicago Bulls
The Oklahoma City Thunder recently traded Giddey to the Chicago Bulls, placing him alongside established stars like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. This move could significantly impact Giddey’s development.
Playing with proven scorers could free Giddey up to focus on his playmaking strengths. Surrounded by offensive weapons, he might not need to carry the scoring load as heavily, allowing him to refine his passing and decision-making.
Josh Giddey’s journey is far from over. With his unique skillset, an ever-expanding skillset, and high basketball IQ, he has the potential to become a star in the NBA. The future is bright for this exciting young player.
FAQs:-
What are Josh Giddey’s career averages?
Across his three seasons (as of July 13, 2024), Giddey has averaged a well-rounded stat line of 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. This showcases his ability to contribute to multiple facets of the game. It’s important to note that these are averages across his entire career, and his stats have been trending upwards.
What are Josh Giddey’s most recent stats?
Looking at his most recent season (assumed to be 2023-24 based on the current date), some sources show averages of 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. There may be slight variations depending on the site, but the overall picture remains consistent.
What are Josh Giddey’s career highs?
Giddey has flashed his potential with some impressive performances. Here are some of his career highs:
Points: 31 (achieved in March 2023)
Rebounds: 18 (tied in December 2021)
Assists: 17 (recorded in 2023)
Steals: 4 (achieved in 2021)
Blocks: 3 (achieved in 2024)
Where did Josh Giddey get drafted?
Josh Giddey was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In July 2024, however, it appears he was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
What is Josh Giddey’s shooting efficiency?
Giddy’s shooting efficiency has shown some improvement throughout his career. His career field goal percentage sits around 46.4%, with a three-point percentage of around 31.0%. His free throw shooting is solid at around 75.3%.
Where can I find more information on Josh Giddey’s stats?
Several reputable websites offer detailed stats for NBA players, including Josh Giddey. Here are a few suggestions:
Basketball Reference.
StatMuse.
Proballers.
What’s next for Josh Giddey?
With his well-rounded skillset and ever-improving game, Josh Giddey is expected to be a key contributor for the Chicago Bulls. His ability to pass, rebound, and score makes him a valuable asset on the court. Fans will be watching closely to see his development and whether he can become a star in the NBA.
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