Josh Giddey wins NBA Rookie of the Month honors

So much for all those critics who questioned OKC Thunder Vice President of Basketball Operations, Sam Presti’s draft selection of Josh Giddey with his sixth pick. Turns out the bespeckled VP maintains his ability to spot a diamond.

While Thunder Nation has witnessed the brilliant playmaking of the Australian point guard all season we’ve also seen there is much more to the youngster than his spectacular dime dishing.

The 19-year-old is winning over fans all over the NBA and got rewarded with a nod from the experts. Giddey was awarded the Rookie of the Month honors for October/November. In the East, it was a more competitive race with Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers beating out Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors.

OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey wins West’s Rookie of the Month honors

For those who want to revisit the spectacular highlights from his first six weeks as a pro check out the film package from the NBA award article announcement.

Giddey averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. His point total ranks eighth overall but he’s been climbing in that regard with better scoring in recent games.

His 5.8 assists top the rookie leader board with Cade Cunningham second (4.6) and Jalen Suggs third (3.6). As for his work on the glass, Giddey ranks third behind Barnes (8.2) and Mobley (8.2) and is other than Cunningham (6.6) is by far the most by a guard since the Pistons rookie isn’t a typical guard.

Giddey is also showing his prowess on the defensive end — an area many were concerned about in the pre-draft process. He’s averaging 1.0 steals which ranks eighth overall. In addition, Giddey has made a habit of collecting double-doubles with three such performances in this first 20 games.

Revisiting the scoring aspect of his game, the Australian delivered double-digit totals in six consecutive games from November 17th through the 26th. He’s currently dealing with the flu but we’re sending him well wishes for a quick recovery.

As per the NBA article in the West, the other nominees considered were Rockets Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, Kings Davion Mitchell, and another OKC Thunder rookie — Jeremiah Robinson-Earl who is also climbing up rookie ladders with his recent stellar play.

In the East, Mobley likely got the nod over Barnes based on his team performing better although I’d lean toward the Raptors rookie for the October/November award. That said, Mobley has the best odds of winning Rookie of the Year given how much he impacts his team’s defense and winning percentage.

Others who were considered in the East were the top draft pick, Cade Cunningham of the Pistons, sniper Chris Duarte of the Pacers, and Franz Wagner of the Magic.