Is OKC Thunder Guard Josh Giddey a Most Improved Player Candidate?
While most NBA players will hit the court in the preseason with nothing but offseason workouts to show for their progression, Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Josh Giddey is a step ahead.
Yes, Giddey has — and likely is currently — spending time participating offseason workouts with the Thunder now that the preseason is just 18 days away, but he doesn't just have those to show. He also had an impressive international display with Team Australia.
But is that enough to make him a Most Improved Player candidate?
"The Oklahoma City Thunder being a playoff team this season should help Josh Giddey (+2200) get the attention he deserves," CBS Sports wrote. "The do-it-all Australian swingman stuffed the stat sheet nightly despite playing alongside an All-NBA First Team point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander."
His time in Oklahoma City does differ in one key aspect, which the site highlighted. With Team Australia, Giddey was the go-to guy. He embraced the role and even thrived in it as a main option.
On the Thunder, he still is a proficient scorer and go-to option ... he's just not the option given that Gilgeous-Alexander is entering his prime few seasons. But even with a slightly smaller role during the NBA season, Giddey took advantage.
"Giddey was one of four players to average at least 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game last season," CBS Sports continued. "The other three were Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Domantas Sabonis."
Jokic, Doncic and Sabonis. Not a bad group for Giddey to find company in, especially if his goals go beyond being a good basketball player. His role will certainly see some welcome changes as well, if he continues to play the way he has been, and he could make a case for being the league's Most Improved Player.
And if that happens, +2200 odds may not be the most far-fetched bet of the season.
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