Why Josh Giddey's Early-Season Struggles Aren't Yet a Cause for Concern

Thunder guard Josh Giddey has not had a great start to his third year in the NBA thus far, but this is not something many should be deeply fixated on.

We are now nearly 10% through the regular season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder has found itself with a 5-3 record to sit at No. 5 in the Western Conference standings.

As there have been a plethora of bright spots for this young Thunder team, there's also been a seemingly glaring weak point — that being in Oklahoma City's third-year guard Josh Giddey.

Many appear to be pressing the panic button already following a slew of turnover issues, "lack of fit" within the offense and timeline of the established young core and supporting rookies, some even suggesting to ship Giddey elsewhere.

But this is a complete and utter overreaction. 

He's a 21 year old who averaged 16.6 points, 6.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game a year ago, and was glorified as arguably the Thunder's second most promising player in terms of upside.

And while some might still hold that same sentiment, others have been shining plenty of distasteful comments towards the 6-foot-8 Australian floor general to start the year.

Eight games into the season, Giddey is averaging 12.1 points on 39.8% shooting with 4.5 assists a night — as well as shooting just 23.5% from 3-point range.

It's been lackluster, especially when highlighting the drop-off from his second year in the league to now. Although, from the outside looking in, these are completely respectable numbers from a third-year, young point guard looking to find his place in a currently unestablished offensive scheme.

To insinuate that Sam Presti and the Thunder need to trade Giddey elsewhere following just a few games of mediocrity embodies the lack of patience within the NBA community — he needs to be allowed to progress.

And let's not forget, Presti has reiterated his desire to slowly build this team into inherent championship contenders. He's not putting all his chips into this season, or next season, or the one after that — Presti is seeking longevity.

What goes hand-in-hand with longevity among a successful franchise? Continual developmental progression within its up-and-coming star players.

There is simply no need to sound the alarms just yet. 

Give Giddey his time, and let him find his groove within this electrifying Thunder offense.

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