Josh Giddey - 6'8 Aussie PG

[Hal14]

The more I watch him, the more I am convinced he should be #5. His athleticism is easily good enough, especially when its compensated for with his absurd feel for the game. The main thing I notice is that his 3PT release, and release in general, can be a bit slow. That can be corrected. But this kid is a gamer. You cant teach this feel or nose for the ball. He just looks absurdly comfortable on the floor playing with grown men. If you were to ask me who is more likely to be contributing for a winning team, Josh Giddey or Jalen Green (Who is much more naturally talented IMO), I would say Giddey without a doubt.

IDK if its been suggested yet, but he has some Manu to him. Not as twitchy, not as good defensively, but some offensive similarities IMO. A pure SF version of a not as twitchy Manu would be the comparison I go with right now.

I see Giddey as a pure PG though, not a pure SF.

Giddey is a guy who runs an offense, sets up the offense, directs traffic, controls the pace, distributes the ball. Are you saying he's a SF just because of his height? I know there hasn't been many PGs who are 6'8" or taller, but there has been some (Simmons, Magic, then Doncic at 6'7", LeBron has played quite a bit of PG at 6'9", both Ball brothers are 6'6".

[BlazersBroncos]

I see Giddey as a pure PG though, not a pure SF.

Giddey is a guy who runs an offense, sets up the offense, directs traffic, controls the pace, distributes the ball. Are you saying he's a SF just because of his height? I know there hasn't been many PGs who are 6'8" or taller, but there has been some (Simmons, Magic, then Doncic at 6'7", LeBron has played quite a bit of PG at 6'9", both Ball brothers are 6'6".

I generally use positions to indicate who the player is likely to guard. I think offense is basically positionless for the most part at this time, and positional labels should indicate who someone guards.

[DCasey91]

I'm sold on this guy at #11 for the Hornets, let Graham walk and let Giddey hold up the Melo role when he hits the bench. We've seen how Melo's ball movement can be infectious, would love to have an elite playmaker on the floor at all times.

I actually don’t know if he’s going to be there to be completely honest at 11# after say pick 5# then it’s a open season on this draft. He’s one of the bolters so far and his upside is great if his body and shot progresses. That’s basically the two main things, defense is less of concern because your investing in a 6”8” Guard that can play SF as an on ball facilitator, basically leave the positions. A 6”8” guy that’s the best passer/pg in the draft a team or teams within pick 10# would rate him.

But man Melo + Giddey would be so much fun, you guys were top 3 most watchable this year when everyone was fit, now you guys would be number 1 for me to watch if that happened lol.

Celtics would be a very very good choice to land to. Easily run a Walker or Pritchard/Giddey/Tatum/Brown/Williams lineup that would be sweet.

[MasterIchiro]

I'm sold on this guy at #11 for the Hornets, let Graham walk and let Giddey hold up the Melo role when he hits the bench. We've seen how Melo's ball movement can be infectious, would love to have an elite playmaker on the floor at all times.

I don't think I've ever read a post from you I agreed with right away more than this one in our many years in the Bobcats/Hornets forum.

So many of these teen prospects come out and need years to develop a level of read that is baseline functional. Drafting someone with LaMelo's court vision is like fast forwarding development and you can trust the player with the ball in his hands from day one. The other route is to draft an elite athlete with alpha dog mentality and unleash him to go iso regardless of team schematics. But teams contending for the playoffs can't get away with that. Rebuilding teams can piss away 3 years teaching a player how to read the court. But we know what it's like to witness a player walk in as a teen and know how to run offense right away. It's refreshing not to have to wait. Giddey would do well developing in a system where he's surrounded by teammates with playmaking mentality. Elite scorers want the ball with the game on the line and consider themselves the top option above their teammates. Elite playmakers believe they can make everyone around them better even players who do not score as well. Hornets love to share the ball and I can see a development play for Giddey as the initiator for the second unit right away while working into the starting lineup as a point forward after 3 years when Hayward will be gone. Graham is a flight risk given his starter capabilities. Not matching some high offer would help keep down payroll safely below luxury tax. I'd look into sign-and-trade options for Graham. Team is in no position to subtract talent for nothing in return.

[BlazersBroncos]

I'd look into sign-and-trade options for Graham.

Not to get OT but I dont think Graham is the caliber of player to really demand much in a S&T. Maybe if a team has a paid, out of rotation bench guy that they have no issue moving (Portland w/ DJJ for example). But in the past S&T returns are only even remotely talent or asset laden if the outgoing guy is a star. Like, if Indiana loses TJ I could see them offer Lamb in a S&T, something of low value like that.

[Mirotic12]

Is Doncic too obvious of a comparison or are there things people see in Doncic at age 18 that they don't see in Giddey at age 18? Giddey is 1 inch taller than Doncic, with a less doughy build, just as good (if not better) in terms of passing/playmaking/court vision, just as good shooting (both players shot 31% from there during their age 18 season overseas), Giddey appears to be better defensively, has more of a high motor and is slightly quicker/more explosive off the dribble and even a touch more athletic/more of a high flyer.

Do you really think Giddey would get a big role on Real Madrid and lead them to a EuroLeague championship?

[Hal14]

Is Doncic too obvious of a comparison or are there things people see in Doncic at age 18 that they don't see in Giddey at age 18? Giddey is 1 inch taller than Doncic, with a less doughy build, just as good (if not better) in terms of passing/playmaking/court vision, just as good shooting (both players shot 31% from there during their age 18 season overseas), Giddey appears to be better defensively, has more of a high motor and is slightly quicker/more explosive off the dribble and even a touch more athletic/more of a high flyer.

Do you really think Giddey would get a big role on Real Madrid and lead them to a EuroLeague championship?

1) Doncic did that at age 19. Giddey is only 18 now. At the rate Giddey is improving, he could do it next year when he's 19, sure

2) With that being said, I think you''re taking my post too literally. I'm simply saying that in terms of size, athleticism, quickness and skill set, Giddey apepars similar to Doncic. Nowhere did I say Giddey is as good overall as a player as Doncic.

[BlazersBroncos]

2) With that being said, I think you''re taking my post too literally. I'm simply saying that in terms of size, athleticism, quickness and skill set, Giddey apepars similar to Doncic. Nowhere did I say Giddey is as good overall as a player as Doncic.

They have some similarities. But Luka's shot form is way better, its super high and pretty near unlockable. And the odd body type that Luka has where he can carry what seems to be baby fat while still being surprisingly agile and quick is a huge reason he is so good at attacking the paint. Giddey doesnt have anything close to that.

Luka was a much better prospect, and I say that as a Giddey fan. I cant see Giddey being more than a high end #3 at best, and thats worthy of a top pick despite most people expecting the 1st 5-8 guys in every draft having the potential to be a #1 option.

[Mirotic12]

1) Doncic did that at age 19. Giddey is only 18 now. At the rate Giddey is improving, he could do it next year when he's 19, sure

2) With that being said, I think you''re taking my post too literally. I'm simply saying that in terms of size, athleticism, quickness and skill set, Giddey apepars similar to Doncic. Nowhere did I say Giddey is as good overall as a player as Doncic.

Did you just forget to use the green font?

[Charm]

It's worth considering that Giddey isn't the best scorer on his team. Or the second-best scorer on his team. Or the third-best scorer on his team. Or the fourth-best scorer on his team. Or the fifth-best scorer on his team. He *may* be the sixth-best scorer on his team.

He's a genuinely elite passer, but his all-around lack of scoring ability is a serious issue. He's not even as good as teenage Joe Ingles in that area. I think he's about as likely to average double-digit assists in the NBA as he is to average double-digit points.

[DCasey91]

I do think Giddey’s best role which I had him initially is the primary bench unit ballhandler/PG.

He’s up to 200 pounds which is great because at the start of the year he was noticeably skinnier, Giddey doesn’t have the frame of Ball let alone Luka. 220+ though is gettable, through natural time, workout etc.

The scoring prowess is up in the air, shooting honed in, and the handle needs to tighten of course.

To be a good starter lvl PG there’s thresholds of production to meet. Like best best case scenario would be 15/8/8 at his peak apex if he played starter minutes.

Giddey is very good and going to be very good in the NBA but he is not a Lamelo tier prospect and certainly not Luka lvl though there’s similarities with all three.

[God Squad]

1) Doncic did that at age 19. Giddey is only 18 now. At the rate Giddey is improving, he could do it next year when he's 19, sure

2) With that being said, I think you''re taking my post too literally. I'm simply saying that in terms of size, athleticism, quickness and skill set, Giddey apepars similar to Doncic. Nowhere did I say Giddey is as good overall as a player as Doncic.

Did you just forget to use the green font?

He's totally underestimating what Doncic did with the Slovenian National team and Real Madrid.

[God Squad]

Is Doncic too obvious of a comparison or are there things people see in Doncic at age 18 that they don't see in Giddey at age 18? Giddey is 1 inch taller than Doncic, with a less doughy build, just as good (if not better) in terms of passing/playmaking/court vision, just as good shooting (both players shot 31% from there during their age 18 season overseas), Giddey appears to be better defensively, has more of a high motor and is slightly quicker/more explosive off the dribble and even a touch more athletic/more of a high flyer.

Do you really think Giddey would get a big role on Real Madrid and lead them to a EuroLeague championship?

1) Doncic did that at age 19. Giddey is only 18 now. At the rate Giddey is improving, he could do it next year when he's 19, sure

2) With that being said, I think you''re taking my post too literally. I'm simply saying that in terms of size, athleticism, quickness and skill set, Giddey apepars similar to Doncic. Nowhere did I say Giddey is as good overall as a player as Doncic.

Giddey is no where near the prospect or as accomplished as Doncic. To say he'd lead Euroleague championship team is either homerism or blindness.

[Dr Aki]

someone's gonna take him in the lottery thinking he's gonna be luka lite

[GSWFan1994]

I like him a lot and think he should definitely go in the lottery, but I also believe he will get overdrafted due to recency bias on LaMelo.

[DCasey91]

I like him a lot and think he should definitely go in the lottery, but I also believe he will get overdrafted due to recency bias on LaMelo.

That’s maybe true but big or tall guards have existed before but yes there is some recency bias.

Though the main thing here is that he’s a 6”8 PG that is most likely if not the best passer in the draft and has a credible argument for being the best pure PG. That alone is draft-able at a high position. As it pertains to this years draft let’s say outside the top 5 it’s open season. All prospects around him have different strengths and weaknesses but at least with Giddey he has high translatable skills and great upside, can’t ask for much more than that imo. He’s well advanced for his age demos on what he does.

Say his highest draft position is 6 and his lowest is like 15 or so. It isn’t really over-drafted at the top range because his main skills are further ahead.

[GSWFan1994]

I like him a lot and think he should definitely go in the lottery, but I also believe he will get overdrafted due to recency bias on LaMelo.

That’s maybe true but big or tall guards have existed before but yes there is some recency bias.

Though the main thing here is that he’s a 6”8 PG that is most likely if not the best passer in the draft and has a credible argument for being the best pure PG. That alone is draft-able at a high position. As it pertains to this years draft let’s say outside the top 5 it’s open season. All prospects around him have different strengths and weaknesses but at least with Giddey he has high translatable skills and great upside, can’t ask for much more than that imo. He’s well advanced for his age demos on what he does.

Say his highest draft position is 6 and his lowest is like 15 or so. It isn’t really over-drafted at the top range because his main skills are further ahead.

Agreed. I just wanted to say that currently, by what I've studied, there are better options in the 6-10 range.

But I agree with your premise that it depends on the team needs in this particular range in the draft.

[Jamaaliver]

Strengths and Weaknesses for Every Projected Lottery Pick

Josh Giddey (Adelaide 36ers, PG/SG, 2002)



Strengths

Positional Height
A 6'8" ball-handler, Josh Giddey uses his height to see and make plays over the defense. It's an important advantage for a guard who lacks physical and athletic traits.

Passing
The NBL's assist leader, Giddey built a lottery case around running offense and making the game easier for teammates. His unselfishness showed in transition, where he often threw hit-ahead passes to streaking teammates instead of trying to dribble through defenses. In the half court, his IQ shined on simple reads to give shooters looks in rhythm, post players the ball with position and finishers uncontested attempts. His timing and patience are excellent. He has a natural feel for the game and the right ball skills to optimize it for playmaking.

Finishing
Despite lacking bounce, Giddey converted advanced finishes with a knack for finding the right angles. He takes the right steps and finds open air space on his drives. And at his height, he's able to release layups right near the rim without needing explosion. He has good control and command of the ball when going up, and he can convert with either hand.


Weaknesses

Burst/Elusiveness
There is debate about whether Giddey will be able to beat NBA guards off the dribble. He plays upright and doesn't possess much burst, though there were instances of his getting by with a nifty ball-handling maneuver. Giddey may be better suited as a playmaking 2, depending on his effectiveness shaking his man and penetrating.

Shooting
Giddey shot 29.3 percent from three and 69.1 percent on free throws in 28 games. Shooting will be a key swing skill for his scoring potential given the trouble he may face creating his own shot inside the arc. Giddey did have a promising stretch from three during the season, and his high release point is difficult for guards and wings to contest. But he is a little slow getting into his pull-up, and he doesn't appear ready to be relied on for consistently threatening shot-making.

Defense
Staying in front of quicker, smaller ball-handlers was a challenge for Giddey, and it won't get any easier in the NBA. His team may have to find ways to mask him defensively, though he does have good hands for making plays on the ball. Giddey's questionable defensive outlook against point guards is another reason why his coach may feel more comfortable playing him at the 2.

Bleacher Report

[OhCanada1091]

He's probably going to need to add 20-25 lbs and play at the forward spot. I don't see him guarding quick guards on the ball. No wonder Joe Ingles likes him.

There isn't really a power forward spot anymore per se. Its more like two forward spots and most of them are what you would typically say is a small forward. Markieff Morris was playing Center for the Clippers to prevent Doncic being guarded by Zubac when they switched. He's 6'8, then Batum, Kawhi and George all played as wings and forwards that would Switch coverages.

The games interchangeable now its not 1 on 1 man defense.

[GimmeDat]

I think he'll be able to put on size over the next few years and that'll be his best path forward to physical development. He's actually improved a lot as an athlete over the last few years but he's not going to blow anyone away athletically. What he did develop during the season was his ability to his size and be more physical.