Josh Giddey Bio
Joshua James Giddey is an Australian professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Giddey is notable for being the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, achieving this milestone at 19 years and 84 days old. He also became the first rookie since Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1961 to record three consecutive triple-doubles.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Giddey was born on October 10, 2002, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He comes from a family with a strong basketball background; both of his parents, Kim and Warrick Giddey, were professional basketball players. Warrick played for the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League (NBL), while Kim played for the Melbourne Tigers in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). Giddey grew up in Yarraville and attended St Kevin’s College in Toorak before training at the NBA Global Academy, a prestigious training center at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. Giddey emerged as one of Australia’s top basketball prospects during his time at the AIS. He attended UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra while training full-time, which helped him develop his skills further. He showcased his talent at the Australian Under-18 Championships in April 2019, where he averaged 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, and six assists per game, leading his team to victory. His performance earned him recognition and set the stage for his future career.
Path to Basketball
Giddey signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL on March 12, 2020, becoming the first Australian player to join the league’s Next Stars program aimed at developing NBA draft prospects. He turned down offers from several NCAA Division I programs to pursue his professional career in Australia. During his time with the 36ers, Giddey made history by becoming the youngest Australian to record a triple-double, achieving this feat on April 26, 2021. He finished his season with averages of 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.6 assists per game, earning the NBL Rookie of the Year award.
Josh Giddey Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Giddey’s professional career began with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, where he quickly made a name for himself. His standout performances included multiple triple-doubles, which garnered attention from NBA scouts. After a successful season, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft, where he was projected to be a high lottery pick.
Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Giddey was drafted sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in July 2021. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, and quickly established himself as a key player for the team. His first double-double came shortly after his debut, and he was named the NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month multiple times. Giddey’s historic triple-double on January 2, 2022, made him the youngest player to achieve this milestone in NBA history. He finished his rookie season with impressive averages and was recognized for his contributions to the team. In January 2023, Giddey joined an elite group of players by recording over 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 500 assists in his first 100 career games. His continued success led to numerous accolades and solidified his position as one of the league’s rising stars.
Notable Works and Milestones
Giddey’s signature work includes his record-setting performances and his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. He has received accolades such as the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 and the NBL Rookie of the Year in 2021. His remarkable achievements have made him a standout player in the NBA.
Josh Giddey Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Josh Giddey has received several nominations for his outstanding performances, particularly during his rookie season in the NBA.
Josh Giddey Awards Won
Giddey has won notable awards, including the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 and the NBL Rookie of the Year in 2021, highlighting his impact in professional basketball.
Josh Giddey Family
Joshua Giddey comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball. His parents, Kim and Warrick Giddey, both played professionally, influencing his career path. He has a sister, Hannah Giddey, who also played college basketball.
Personal Life
In November 2023, Giddey faced allegations regarding an improper relationship, which led to an investigation by the NBA and local authorities. However, on January 17, 2024, it was announced that he would not face any charges due to a lack of corroborating evidence. The NBA concluded its investigation in May 2024, finding no criminal activity on his part. Giddey continues to focus on his basketball career and personal development.
