For the longest time, the Melbourne Tigers have been in command of the shuffle.
With two primary plаys, numerous nuanced plаys, and trail plаys, this system necessitates that each user on the floor be familiar with every patient in order for it to function properly. The entire crumbles the moment a man in the struggle steps out of position.
ESPN was informed by a former Tiger that “I know it like the alphabet.”
This offensive approach relies on a player’s ability to anticipate teammates’ movements and court spacing in addition to their ability to read defenses well. You don’t see many on-balls there because the shuffle is primarily used for cuts, backdoors, screens, and other features of a similar nature.Josh Giddey was, nevertheless, an eccentric actor at times.
Josh Giddey, considered a generational talent, possesses a unique combination of stature, ball-handling skills, and flair. His basketball instincts have been honed through experiences like running the shuffle offense, contributing to his exceptional abilities on the court. Giddey’s talent and skills have led to high expectations, making him a projected lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Growing up, Giddey was surrounded by Australian basketball legends. His father, Warrick Giddey, a former NBL mainstay, not only played a significant role in his development but also served as his coach during his younger years. Additionally, Giddey had the opportunity to learn from Andrew Gaze, a five-time Olympian and one of Australia’s greatest basketball players, during his junior years with the Tigers. Chris Anstey, a two-time Olympian and two-time NBL MVP, as well as a first-round pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, coached Giddey in the Victorian under-20s team.
Giddey’s support network extends to his time at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, where he further enriched his skills and basketball knowledge. In the last two off-seasons, he has worked out with NBL legend Darryl McDonald and spent time with Brian and Kevin Goorjian, adding to the wealth of expertise guiding his development. This robust support network is unparalleled in Australian basketball, contributing to Giddey’s rise as a standout talent.
Josh Giddey attributes his elite basketball IQ to various aspects of his upbringing, including the valuable experiences and knowledge he has gained from basketball legends. Standing at 6’8 or 6’9, Giddey is seen as well-suited for the modern NBA game, where versatile and intelligent players are highly sought after.
Being surrounded by a talented and knowledgeable group of individuals, including his father, coaches like Andrew Gaze, Chris Anstey, Darryl McDonald, and others, has significantly contributed to Giddey’s learning and growth. He emphasizes the importance of not only learning on the court but also receiving valuable life advice off the court.
Giddey’s ability to figure out problems at a high level, coupled with his confidence and street smarts, has allowed him to succeed at a young age in professional basketball. Marty Clarke, the Global Academy’s technical director, notes that Giddey has more than just basketball IQ; he has the next level of it, comparing him to the level of former NBA player Andrew Bogut.
Giddey’s impressive ability to read the game, particularly his passing skills, quickly translated to success in the NBL, where he finished the season as the league’s assists leader, averaging 7.6 per game. This performance has caught the attention of NBA decision-makers, heightening the intrigue around the young talent from Melbourne.
Josh Giddey’s journey in the NBL and his preparation for the NBA draft have been marked by consistent improvement, adaptability, and the development of various skills.
Giddey’s emergence in the starting lineup for the Adelaide 36ers was accelerated by the team’s separation from Donald Sloan, allowing him to form a strong on-court and off-court bond with Isaaс Humphries. His versatile skills, including scoring, caught the attention of NBA scouts, contributing to his projection as a potential lottery pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
The challenges of playing against physical, older players in the NBL have contributed to Giddey’s growth, and he appreciates the learning experience gained from competing at a high level. Despite the pressure and target on his back as part of the Next Stars program, Giddey embraced the competition, even enjoying moments when the crowd chanted “Overrated.”
Acknowledging the areas for improvement, Giddey focused on refining his jump shot, developing an athletic base for NBA competition, and enhancing his skills as a primary ball-handler. He worked with coaches, including Nik Popovic and Darryl McDonald, to minimize his flaws and prepare for the transition to the NBA.
Giddey recognizes the importance of gaining respect for his three-point shot, emphasizing its impact on spacing and opening up opportunities for his playmaking. He underwent pre-draft workouts, focusing on shooting from various scenarios and distances.
The rapid rise of Giddey, from making his first state team to becoming a potential lottery pick, showcases his generational talent and the foundational pieces that have been in place throughout his basketball journey. As he prepares for the NBA, Giddey remains confident in his abilities and readiness to make an immediate impact if given the opportunity.
The anticipation now rests on draft night, where NBA decision-makers will determine which team selects Josh Giddey, and fans await to see how he performs at the next level.
