Aussie star in huge NBA Draft shock

Australia’s Josh Giddey is officially an NBA player, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder with the sixth pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Giddey’s journey to the world’s best basketball league via Melbourne, the AIS in Canberra and a professional NBL stint with the Adelaide 36ers is complete.

The 18-year-old joins the fellow Australians, Luc Longley, Ben Simmons, Dante Exum, Thon Maker and Andrew Bogut as a top 10 NBA draft pick.

Josh Giddey at home with some of his shoe collection on May 22, 2021. Josh has been released from 36ers playing roster as he prepares for the NBA Draft. Picture Matt Turner.Source:News Corp Australia

Giddey’s father, Warrick Giddey, who was at the draft in Brooklyn to watch his boy create history, believes his son’s rise to the NBA will inspire Australian kids to dream big.

“It is massive,” a proud Giddey said.

“Josh is the first Aussie guy to come out of the NBL Next Stars program, so this is just going to push basketball even more.

Hell yeah @joshgiddey!!!! ???

Congratulations Josh Giddey!

Selected with Pick No. 6 by Oklahoma City Thunder!

We're so happy for you! @joshgiddey#WeAreBasketball#NBADraftpic.twitter.com/yP1fXIKgsp

“The fact that he has come from two Australian parents, so I think the impact on the game here is going to be phenomenal on young kids around Australia.

“Josh can live the dream for any kid, and I think that is an important message to send out to the kids of Australia that are playing hoops.”

More to come …

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Aussie NBA draftee Josh GiddeySource:Supplied

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