'The Answer' Podcast Host Labels Josh Giddey as Potential Future All-Star
Josh Giddey has seemingly been the engine for the success which Australia has seen thus far in FIBA match play.
His performance alongside his Australian peers has been putting others on notice, so much so that he’s been labeled a potential all-star player down the line according toThe Answer podcast host Seerat Sohi.
“They (Australia) don’t have an all-star level NBA talent. Although, maybe down the line, Giddey could be that.
“He’s easily one of my favorite players in the NBA to watch, he brings a European flair to the NBA. He’s always one step ahead.”
Sohi says this before Giddey and the Boomers opened up FIBA match play in dominating fashion on Friday, defeating Finland 98-72 as the 20-year-old lead guard nearly notched a triple double — 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
This marked the first player to account for over 10 points, five rebounds and five assists in their FIBA debut since Lebron James in 2006.
"I had no idea. But as I always say it's cool to be in company with guys like that. But it's always about the group, it's always about the team,” Giddey said following the victory. “We're lucky to have a deep, 12-man team. I play great, I play bad, what matters is we win the game. We did that tonight. That's what makes me happy."
Sohi, alongside co-host Michael Pina, also discussed the dynamic between 6-foot-5 guard Matisse Thybulle and Giddey.
“Him (Giddey) and Matisse Thybulle are such a perfect yin and yang too, it’s incredible,” Sohi said. “I just love the way that Thybulle is so fast, and Giddey is trying to push it every single time.
“The second he touches the ball, he’s looking up the floor to see who’s running, who he can get it up to or if he’s going to be the one to take it.”
Giddey’s ability to effectively and efficiently push the ball in transition has always been a profound base to his game as a playmaker. Because of his tenacity, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s, Oklahoma City placed in the top four last season in fast break points with 25 per game.
As Giddey keeps performing at a high level, the more notice the Thunder will receive as a legitimate team in the coming seasons out of the Western conference. With Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort in Canada, Giddey and Jack White in Australia and Davis Bertans in Latvia, OKC is representing well internationally.
“If they (Australia) go really far, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Pina said.
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