Jan 15, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Seth Curry (30) and forward Yuta Watanabe (18) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Brooklyn Nets
Josh Giddey leads the Oklahoma City Thunder, tying a career high 28 points en route to their 112-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
In a streak of impressively aggressive performances on the court, sophomore Josh Giddey might have had his most impressive yet in his win over Brooklyn. Tying a career high in scoring, while adding a career high in field goal attempts, Giddey has been showing his best on the hardwood as a professional in this latest stretch.
The question might be premature, but is it too soon to be making a push for this year’s all star game for Josh Giddey?
Giddey has been averaging 20.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 6.1 RPG in his last 10 games. This was in a stretch where the Thunder went 6-4 and are now sitting in that clump of teams fighting for a play-in spot and leave Oklahoma City a mere 1.5 games out from the 6 seed.
Being the humble bloke he is, Giddey admits he hasn’t thought much about punching in an all star bid, but focuses on his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s as good of a lock to make the Western Conference reserves at the very least.
“Obviously Shai’s going to be there”
Josh Giddey admits he hasn’t thought too much about making a push as an all star. pic.twitter.com/Q5cp1wwI1M
— Phil (Dixon) (@FilipmyCup) January 16, 2023
It may be a long shot this season – especially this late into the voting process – but if he were to squeeze in an all star nod, Giddey would join an elite company of LaMelo Ball, Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, Trae Young, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons as one of the only seven players to be selected to the all star game in their first seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is having a career year – one that’s certain to add the accolade of being selected as an all star – thinks Giddey is worthy of the honors.
“Josh Giddey. All Star. 2023,” said Gilgeous-Alexander when asked about Giddey’s recent play.
“Josh Giddey. All Star. 2023.”
-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pic.twitter.com/utxEx3NX6x
— Phil (Dixon) (@FilipmyCup) January 16, 2023
Perhaps being selected as one of the twelve best players in the Western Conference this far into the season is a lofty task for Giddey, at the very least, his elevated level of play has pushed Oklahoma City into a level of competitiveness they haven’t had in three years. With 21 wins in 44 games, the Thunder are just one win shy from eclipsing their season total in 2020-2021, and only 3 wins shy from making this the winningest season since Chris Paul wore a Thunder jersey in 2018-2019.
Josh Giddey’s elevation as the clear number 2 on this roster has put the youngest team in the league on the cusp of playoff contention.
