Sorry new to Reddit and couldn’t figure out how to post the graphic so here’s the link: (NBA players currently 21 in the league).
https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=nba+players+21+years+old+2023-24
Look Giddey has had a terrible start to the season.
He may not be a good fit for this team. (Yes, fit matters, even with stars, let alone young developing role players.)
But Giddey in his age 20 season (last year) put up numbers that few players his age EVER have, even when considering efficiency. And even more so for his rookie season.
I’ve made this point before, but age>> NBA experience as a predictor of success and upside, though yes obviously both matter.
I think ppl are crapping on Giddey a bit too much because of external factors (which is understandable if not expected), and more importantly because we expect young players to get better so any regression sticks out much worse. If Poku or Dieng were putting up Giddey’s stats people (myself included) would be hyped.
Hes 21. Hes younger than Chet, significantly younger than J Dub.
If I were a betting man, I’d wager Giddey starts playing better as the season goes on.
But he still may not develop as a shooter and he still might not fit with OKC long-term. Still, he’s definitely not some bust or scrub with no trade value. If not for the off the court stuff, teams would easily offer *at least* a first round pick for him, especially before this year.
Hes still on his rookie deal, very easy to move on from even if he doesn’t get better. And its still not even crazy if the team is high on him being able to be a part of the core moving forward.
Edit, fixed a typo and added a comma or two.
TLDR: Giddey started off his career much better than the average player, so people have skewed expectations. He’s still very young and an asset value-wise even if he’s not helping OKC win right now.
by Medical_Sample2738
4 Comments
Even if he does pan out he still doesn’t fit the team
I think because SGA, Chet and Dub have been so good and the team is in 2nd seed, Giddey’s struggles have been that much more amplified. If it was still a year where we were aiming for a high draft pick instead of a playoff spot everyone would be more forgiving of a 21 year old. And the off court drama and booing doesn’t help the vibes.
I agree that Giddey isn’t a bust, he’s proven he has talent. I think ultimately his future is a lead guard surrounded by shot makers. A team who already have their #1 and #2 scorers would kill to have prime Giddey setting the table. But the Thunder won’t be trading him until he’s rebuilt his value. Of course, if the investigation ends up going bad then it is what it is and you cut ties.
Craziest thing you pointed out for me is that Giddey is younger than Chet. That’s wild to me