Top 25 NBA Players Under 25: No. 21 – Josh Giddey

At 6-foot-7 and 216 pounds, Giddey isn’t your traditional playmaking guard. His positional size is part of what makes him such a unique prospect. Last season, Giddey averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game on 48/33/73 shooting splits. Giddey immediately caught the attention of the NBA during his rookie year. However, last season, he truly came into his own.

Despite maintaining an average of 31 minutes per game from his rookie to sophomore year, Giddey significantly improved his game in various facets. His scoring output increased by four points per game, a testament to his growing offensive prowess. Equally noteworthy was his reduction in turnovers, highlighting his development in decision-making and ball-handling skills.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Giddey’s sophomore season was his substantial improvement in shooting efficiency. His field goal percentage saw a seven percent uptick, while his three-point shooting improved by six percent. Giddey going from a shooting liability to an average shooter in just one season has Thunder fans and the organization excited for what will come.

What Makes Him a Unique Talent

What truly sets Giddey apart is his unique combination of size, playmaking ability, and basketball IQ. With his length for a guard, he has the versatility to play multiple positions. His exceptional court vision and passing skills make him a valuable playmaker, while his rebounding ability for a guard is a rare asset. Giddey’s skill set and his improving shooting ability make him a well-rounded player with immense potential.

If we were to conduct a redraft of the top young players in the NBA, Giddey would be much higher on the list. His size and skill set give him a higher ceiling than many of his peers, and it’s clear that his current impact on the Thunder is just the tip of the iceberg.

Giddey draws comparisons to a San Antonio Spurs-type player in the best way possible. He embodies the unselfish, team-oriented style of play often associated with the Spurs. He impacts winning in ways that extend beyond scoring, making him a valuable asset to any team.

There’s every reason to believe that Josh Giddey will continue to climb the rankings of top NBA players under 25. With his work ethic, well-rounded skill set, and improved shooting ability, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him break into the top 15 by the next season. The Thunder are one of the NBA’s most intriguing up-and-coming teams, and Giddey plays a significant role in that.