The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to open up their offseason, swapping him out for defensive ace Alex Caruso in a deal with the Chicago Bulls. This wasn’t so much the Thunder waiving the white flag on Giddey as a player – despite his year three struggles – but a move to get each party a more favorable fit.
For the Thunder, they grabbed a 40 percent 3-point shooter who can defend four of the five positions on the floor and supplement some of the playmaking lost in the move. For Giddey, it is not only a fresh start but a more desirable situation.
The 21-year-old is poised to have the best year of his career, operating more with the ball in his hands under the leadership of Billy Donovan who has a track record that warrants him being labeled a guard whisperer.
The turnaround for Giddey has already started, in Olympic tune-up games for Team Australia the young guard is averaged 18 points, three assists, a pair of rebounds and nearly a steal per contest while shooting 47 percent from the floor, 53 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent at the charity stripe.
Giddey has even improved in catch-and-shoot looks cashing in such chances as a 58 percent clip. The former NBL star will help lead his home country in what is labeled the group of death against a familiar foe.
Team Australia will take on Team Canada on July 30 at 6:30 AM CT in what will be the second game for each squad in group play – the Canadians lead off with Team Greece on July 27 as Team Australia will open up with Team Spain that same day.
July 30 is a date that is surely circled on Oklahoma City Thunder fans’ calendars as a fun day of hoops in the dead of the NBA offseason.
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Source link : https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/former-okc-thunder-guard-josh-giddey-dazzling-olympic-tune-up-tilts
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Publish date : 2024-07-22 21:30:00
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