The OKC Thunder have been well-represented at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, including with one of the most impressive newcomers to the international stage in Team Australia’s Josh Giddey. This is one of the deepest Boomer teams we have seen, as many expected a deep tournament run. Unfortunately, the Australians were bounced in the second round, but Josh Giddey was impressive straight through. the finale.
On Sunday, the Boomers played their final game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup tournament against Georgia. Team Australia earned a dominating win, 100-84, in a relatively meaningless game, with neither team having a shot at advancing to the knockout phase. Josh Giddey posted 15 points, four assists, two rebounds, and one Hall of Fame move in 25 minutes of work.
Team Australia earns a win in their FIBA World Cup Finale as Josh Giddey perfectly recreates a Hall of Fame move.
The Oklahoma City Thunder faithful who got up early to see this Team Boomers run through were treated to a fantastic game to close the run. The Australians ended on a high note, but Josh Giddey’s Hall of Fame move is what really made staying up until 2 a.m. in Oklahoma worth it.
Josh Giddey is so smooth 🎮 #FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/IlBXzF8TkE
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 3, 2023
With Josh Giddey perfectly replicating Dirk Nowitzki’s signature one-legged fadeaway, it leaves OKC Thunder extremely excited about the future.
With his 6’8 frame, we have seen Giddey make strides as a rim finisher throughout his second NBA season and his FIBA World Cup run. If Giddey can sustain his mid-range threat off that scoring attack at the rim, it can open up the floor for him.
During his rookie season, Josh Giddey shot 44 percent from the mid-range (76th percentile for his position), and a season ago, that number remained steady at 43 percent from medium distance (66th percentile for his position).
If he can continue to grow in that area with moves like this, his scoring impact will only grow, which will help him dominate with his playmaking chops.
Josh Giddey’s World Cup tournament ends with 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, and a dominating rim presence shooting 76 percent at the ring. The 20-year-old was one of the most impressive players on the floor, and that can jump start him as we are less than a month until his third NBA training camp.