The Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed that they will “shut down” Josh Giddey for the remainder of the season today, due to hip injury which flared up on Feb. 25, resulting in him being removed from the team’s match-up against the Indiana Pacers.
Josh Giddey (hip soreness) is out for the rest of the season, Mark Daigneault said.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) March 26, 2022
Prior to that Giddey had been managing the injury prior to missing the past four games. The injury to Giddey certainly comes at an unfortunate time. He has emerged as one of the top first-year players and has been in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.
Giddey, who was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February, is averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.0 threes in 31 minutes per game over 54 appearances. He leads all first-year players in assists and recently became the second rookie to record a triple-double in three consecutive games.
In addition to those numbers, his four Triple Doubles leads all rookies and his 16 double-doubles leads all rookie guards.
Although the 19-year-old rookie did attend practice this week he has still yet to participate in any live situations.
Previously the team had thought Giddey would be able to undergo treatment and return in two-four weeks but with the Thunder sitting second from the bottom in the Western Conference there seems no reason to push the injury and instead rest Giddey in preparation for next year.
Thunder Head Coach Mar Daigneault explained, ”he participated in it like he shot he got a lot of shooting in. He participated in some movement, but nothing live and unpredictable.”
Giddey had also just recently had the chance to wow NBA fans and players, taking part in the NBA All-Star Weekend. During the event, he gained high praise from NBA superstar Lebron James who was asked about the teenage guard.
“He’s really, really, really good,” the four-time NBA champ said.
“He has a great pace about the game, great vision. I always love pass-first guards who can see plays happen before they happen.” said James.
“Josh is one of those kids who can definitely see the game a lot quicker than a lot of guys out on the floor.
“He’s been playing beautiful basketball.”
Giddey participated in the weekend’s Rookie Game and Skills Challenge. Whilst a chance to take home the Rookie of the Year trophy may have disappeared with this injury news it’s clear Giddey has had one of the year’s best rookie seasons and will be a lock to make the league’s All-Rookie First team.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
