The OKC Thunder opened up their NBA Preseason by welcoming the Charlotte Hornets to the newly re-named Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The Thunder fans were allowed to pile into the arena for the first time since March 11th, 2020. The faithful got their first look at some new faces, including the sixth overall pick Josh Giddey.
Mark Daigneault made the announcement two hours before game time that the team would start rookie guard Josh Giddey in a three-guard lineup making the first five Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Darius Bazley, and Isaiah Roby.
OKC Thunder fall in preseason opener 113-97
The Oklahoma City Thunder faithful got their first look at their prized sixth overall pick Josh Giddey. He missed all but a minute of NBA Vegas Summer League action leaving OKC Thunder fans sitting inside on summer vacation, grounded by their parents and staring out the window looking at all their friends getting to partake in fun outdoor summer activities.
While other NBA fans were overreacting and projecting their rookie’s NBA careers, OKC Thunder fans still had more questions than answers. Tonight, the starting lineup could not have made the fan base giddier as their rookie plays in 28 minutes tonight to tip-off the NBA preseason.
The NBL product posted 18 points, seven rebounds, a trio of assists, and just two turnovers. Giddey’s passing was as good as advertised including this jaw-dropping off-hand off-the-dribble whip pass across the court.
Can’t stop watching this. pic.twitter.com/rT8cxDZdIj
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 5, 2021
While Giddey was not hunting his shot, he still compiled a ton of stats, which is why I posed the question, can Josh Giddey make an NBA All-Rookie team? After tonight, that answer is an absolute yes.
Sure, this could be a preseason game one overreaction, but Giddey did exactly what we expected to do and we now have the confidence Mark Daigneault will play him in the starting lineup and starter-level minutes.
Despite just logging three assists, the rookie had at least six potential assists, setting up wide-open teammates who just could not cash in. A stat line that eventually averages out to 15-18 points, 6-10 rebounds, 3-6 assists per night is enough to be on one of the two all-rookie squads.
His effectiveness also stood out in this game, shooting 66-percent from the floor, and 50-percent from deep. The 18-year-old had aggressive but under-control drives, nifty finishes, and drained a couple of triples.
You could not script a better debut for the Thunder youngster. He is the story of tonight after a sloppy preseason opener.