Is Josh Giddey the OKC Thunder's Highest-Ceiling Prospect?

In a recent league analysis, Bleacher Report identified one under-24 prospect from each team, giving the Thunder nod to Josh Giddey for his all-around playmaking ability. Is he really Oklahoma City's top young prospect?

On any given NBA roster, finding guys under 24 years old with a promising upside isn't the hardest thing to do, but more often than not, only a handful of players qualify, let alone show enough promise to be labeled a team's "best prospect."

The Oklahoma City Thunder don't have that issue. In fact, it's far from it. Of the players currently rostered, only six fall out of the age category, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — who is only 25 himself — while the rest qualify as young prospects.

But of them, who stands out most for the Thunder as a future All-Star or All-NBA selection? Bleacher Report recently had an idea in a recent league-wide analysis, choosing Australian shooting guard Josh Giddey as Oklahoma City's "highest-ceiling prospect."

"Giddey ultimately gets the nod because his archetype (playmaker with size) is becoming increasingly valuable in today's NBA," the site wrote. "And he's already proven an ability to elevate his teammates. His rebounding can help him be a plus defender before long, too." 

Playmakers with size are certainly becoming increasingly valuable with time. The first wave of it began when centers began to knock down 3-pointers, which has since expanded to Giddey's role with the Thunder. Not only does he fit that mold, however, but he does it well. 

Views with 20/20 Giddey vision 👓 pic.twitter.com/kA0pMRjLUc

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 9, 2023

In two seasons with the Thunder, Giddey has averaged 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists to make for a well-rounded statline, though his shooting percentage certainly has room to improve, especially behind the arc. Even so, the Thunder shouldn't be too worried about his development. 

Since the end of the regular season, Giddey has not only put in personal work, but has also shined with the Australian National Team, which is set to compete in the FIBA World Cup this summer. During Australia's exhibition against Venezuela, Giddey showed off his well-rounded skillset, notching 14 points, nine assists and eight rebounds on the game while also shooting efficiently — the top skill on his improvement list.

However you spin it, Giddey is on the rise in the NBA, and now, internationally as well. What he brings to the Thunder is a big reason why it has one of the best young cores in the NBA, and why Oklahoma City is facing such a roster crunch. Giddey isn't the only player who could be considered for a "highest-ceiling prospect" nod, which says more about the Thunder's success than it does Giddey's. 

Either way, as the 20-year-old continues to carve out his NBA career, the Thunder can rest easy knowing that he'll likely be finding success for many years to come.

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