Josh Giddey is only 18 years old but his profile is intriguing. After choosing to toughen up at home in the NBL, the Australian became the second youngest player in history, after Ben Simmons, to wear the Boomers jersey.
Finally not selected for the Olympic festivities, Josh Giddey will be able to concentrate on the Draft where he is expected high enough, having notably received an invitation in the Green Room.
“It was cool to be surrounded by players like Joe (Ingles), Delly (Dellavedova), Patty (Mills), Baynes” he admits pour Stadium. “Whether it’s the coaches, the physios or the other staff, it’s world class so it’s a really fun environment. Being there at such a young age is a bonus. I hope to be a part of it for the next 15-20 years. “
During his time with the internationals, the future rookie found his mentor Joe Ingles but also Josh Green. The opportunity to receive some advice to succeed in your first NBA steps.
“Joe (Ingles) was very important to me. He texted me when I went to Adelaide in NBL and we stayed in touch all year. He also went through this when he was 18, he only entered the NBA when he was around 26 (note: he had just turned 27). It’s different for Josh Green who was a rookie to him last year so having their advice is really cool. “
At the head of the selection with Ben Simmons?
Called to take the reins of the selection after the Mills-Ingles generation, the 18-year-old sees things in a big way when we talk to him about his association with Ben Simmons.
“Ben is a superstar. We talked a little bit and I cross my fingers to move on. He is young, I am young so we can lead this team to the next international events. I hope that we will be teammates in selection next year or in two years. “
But before postponing the Australian jersey, the one that we compare to LaMelo Ball and Luka Doncic because of his size (2m03) of his creative qualities will have to succeed in his entry into the Great League.
“I think I have to become stronger to be more mobile, to defend and to attack in several positions. But given what I want to do, I have to take those first two years to establish myself in the NBA. As a rookie you can have a big game time like not playing at all or going to G-League. There are ups and downs so I have to assert myself in the NBA ” he concedes before entrusting his will to “Playing 15 years in the NBA. “
With his 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists in the Australian championship, Josh Giddey displayed his versatility and his passing skills developed thanks to his father. Like Luka Doncic, he also wants to imbue his rhythm during matches. “When I arrived in the NBL, I was rushing a lot, I was losing a lot of balls and I was trying impossible things because I was filled with adrenaline. But once I started to slow down, the game got easier. You see it with Luka and Joe even if it is not the same level, they play at their own pace and do not force anything. It’s not usual but it’s so effective, that’s why I’ve been working on it for a long time. “
