The OKC Thunder picked inside the top ten for the first time since selecting James Harden in the 2009 NBA Draft. After a season that saw them go 22-50, their lowest win total during their Oklahoma City tenure, the team selected Josh Giddey an 18-year-old 6’9 point guard from Australia.
Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti met with the media today, and was asked about the pressure’s his prized rookie faces, he told the media not to be concerned with any additional pressure from the organization.
Josh Giddey not facing added pressure from the OKC Thunder organization
On the roster, the Oklahoma City Thunder has two players on their roster picked inside the top ten of the NBA Draft. Along with Josh Giddey who was picked sixth in the 2021 NBA Draft, Derrick Favors was the third pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.
Sam Presti reminded everyone, the talent rarely, if ever, goes down the lineup. The ten best players in the draft class are hardly selected with picks 1-10. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, drafted 11th, Lu Dort, undrafted, play spoiler.
“When you walk through the doors here, we treat you all the same” is the message Presti and his staff preach to the OKC Thunder youngsters, including Josh Giddey.
While Mark Daigneault developing Giddey into a cornerstone piece would help accelerate the rebuild, the Thunder organization is not asking the teenager to be the team’s savior.
With the team buying out Kemba Walker, and the head executive admitting they will embrace young players even more than they did a year ago, Giddey will see starting level minutes right out of the gate. He will be given all the tools to reach his potential.
As a 6’9 ball handler that walks into the NBA with elite-level passing, if he can add a respectable three-point shot, and Mark Daigneault works his magic on the defensive end, the potential for the 6th overall pick is through the roof.