Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft
SG. Oklahoma City Thunder. Josh Giddey. 6. player. 149.
Re-drafting the 2021 NBA draft — 6. Josh Giddey, Thunder
OKC should be quite happy with how Josh Giddey panned out in year one. He achieved singular milestones with his triple-doubles and looked right at home helming the offense in tandem with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That duo in the foundation upon which the next era of Thunder basketball will be built.
The 6-foot-8 Giddey was responsible for some of the best passes in the NBA last season. He’s one of those special passers who combines flair with practicality and accuracy. He’s already great at manipulating the defense with sly dribbling maneuvers and change-of-pace ability. He keeps his defender off balance. The next step in his development will be really hammering out his 3-point shot and forcing defenders to close out hard.
Giddey wasn’t the most efficient scorer at the rim either, and he needs to get stronger on the defensive end, but OKC has one of the smartest teenagers in the NBA. For a team still figuring out the path forward, getting a core piece with Giddey’s basketball I.Q. and talent for elevating teammates is essential.