Josh Giddey’s voice broke as he reflected on his tumultuous season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The young guard faced off-court allegations and an on-court rollercoaster, ending the season starting games on the bench. Despite the challenges, Josh Giddey remained composed, transparent, and grateful for his support system.
“There’s been days where you don’t feel like getting out of bed for a number of reasons,” Josh Giddey shared during his exit interview. “I’m just lucky to have people around me that care, that were there for me. Coming in the gym every day, seeing my teammates, that helps.”
Social Media and Public Perception
Throughout the year, Josh Giddey observed the vitriol on social media regarding his fit with the Thunder. His shooting abilities were questioned, and defenses adjusted to limit OKC’s offensive fluidity, further scrutinizing Giddey’s role. Yet, his commitment to the team and the city never wavered.
“I love it here,” Josh Giddey said when asked about his rookie extension eligibility. “This is home away from home. I love everything about this place, the city, the fans. Every time I wake up in the morning, I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to see the guys.”
Josh Giddey: Challenges in the Playoffs
The playoffs brought additional challenges for Josh Giddey. For the first time in his career, he found himself starting games on the bench, a role reversal that tested his mental fortitude.
“The first two games of the playoffs against Dallas, I didn’t play a lot,” Josh Giddey recalled. “I was not playing well, and I was probably in my own head. I wasn’t being a good teammate. I just felt bad. Even after we won Game 1, I was trying to be happy, but I was also so worried internally, I couldn’t fully get around the guys the way I wanted to. It was a bad feeling.”
Embracing a New Role
Despite the internal struggles, Josh Giddey focused on supporting his teammates and maintaining a positive attitude. He acknowledged that being benched was a tough pill to swallow but saw it as a growth opportunity.
“I wanted to have just the right approach to it where, as I said, whether I’m playing 5 minutes or 30 minutes, I’m there for my guys,” Josh Giddey stated. “I’m supporting them the whole time. I’m up off the bench. I’m cheering, being loud and energetic. It’s a tough pill to swallow. But as I said, for a 21-year-old to go through this now, it’s probably good for me.”
Looking Forward
Josh Giddey is determined to improve and secure his future with the Thunder. He admitted his shortcomings and expressed a strong desire to be a better shooter. General Manager Sam Presti‘s priority this summer will likely be considering Giddey’s rookie extension, a crucial decision as the Thunder builds its future.
“I can’t wait to get back next season and show that I’m a different player,” Giddey concluded. “To never let what happened this series happen again.”
The Thunder aims to build around its new Big Three, and Giddey is eager to play his part in that vision.
Looking Ahead
Josh Giddey‘s journey this season with the OKC Thunder was filled with personal and professional challenges. However, his transparency, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the team highlight his potential to be a pivotal player in the Thunder’s future. As he looks forward to the next season, Giddey’s focus on improvement and team support will be essential in his quest for redemption and growth.
