‘Unbelievable’: NBA world loses its mind over Giddey’s ‘scandalously good’ new teammate
Giddey #Giddey
It’s only Summer League. It’s only Summer League. It’s only Summer League.
But.
Oklahoma City’s No.2 overall pick Chet Holmgren sent the NBA world into a frenzy as the 20-year-old made his debut alongside Australian Josh Giddey on Wednesday (AEST).
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In a showcase of the league’s young talent, a glimpse of Holmgren had basketball fans tuning in to their clash against the Utah Jazz.
And the 7-foot talent didn’t disappoint.
After one quarter, Holmgren had drained three triples on his way to 13 points, as well as three blocks.
By the half he had tallied 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a one-legged fadeaway jumper that looked smooth as butter.
The Gonzaga product was seen as the draft prospect with the highest ceiling, but maybe one with the most risk too.
A lot of those fears were put to bed in the space of 24 minutes as he finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and 6 blocks, and charged into the shortest odds for Rookie of the Year.
After dazzling in the NBA last season, Giddey was called into Summer League duty, and looked totally in control as he added 14 points, 11 assists and five rebounds.
OKC finished as 98-77 winners.
“The hype that he came in with, and the way he played tonight was big for us,” Giddey said of his new teammate.
“Being a high pick like that, there’s a lot of pressure coming in, and he handled it as well as he could have.
“Makes my job really easy playing with someone like him, who can stretch the floor, finish at the rim, protect me — he’s got my back on the defensive end.
“Love playing with him. It’s been one game, and the chemistry’s only getting stronger.”