Thunder Rookie Josh Giddey Makes History Alongside LeBron James
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey has been absolutely spectacular through the first five games of his NBA career. After being selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he's shown exactly why he was considered one of the top players in his class.
Just 19 years old, Giddey is the second-youngest player in the entire NBA. However, he's wise beyond his years in terms of basketball IQ, showcasing his passing and ability to facilitate early in his NBA career.
“Just his IQ of the game at his age is very rare," said Giddey's teammate Kenrich Williams earlier this month.
Whether it's scoring, passing or rebounding, Giddey can do it all. At 6-foot-9, he's an extremely versatile player at this level.
In just five NBA games, he's already had performances with double-digit points, rebounds and assists. This made him the second youngest player, behind LeBron James, to ever accomplish this.
Josh Giddey was also insane vs the Lakers. One of the best rookie games I've seen yet. 18 points, but what you'll see below are all 10 assists. Every kickout directly in shooting pocket. Two awesome one-handed whips. And note: went to him w/ game on the line w/ DHO in last clip. pic.twitter.com/Hztejl6roO
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 28, 2021
It's fitting, considering Giddey did finalized the assist piece of this record against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
Youngest players in NBA history to have a game with 10 points, a game with 10 assists and a game 10 rebounds:
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) October 28, 2021
-LeBron James (18 years, 355 days)
-Josh Giddey (19 years, 17 days)
He’s 5 games into his NBA career.
Up next: youngest triple-double in history.
(cc: @Stathead)
While he hasn't notched his first triple-double, Giddey still has quite a bit of time to make that happen and surpass LaMelo Ball as the youngest ever to do so.
Giddey is currently averaging 10.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest.
An instant starter at the NBA level, he's been in the starting lineup for the Thunder in every game this season.
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