Team Australia found a gem in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Amid concerns regarding their most celebrated players’ growing age, the team faced a cloud of uncertainty over their future. However, this only lasted until the arrival of their 20-year-old star, Josh Giddey. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has impressed one and all with his performance in the prestigious tournament so far.
Josh Giddey has absolutely set the FIBA World Cup ablaze with his performances this year. The Team Australia guard currently averages a whopping 20.5 PPG along with 6 APG. He has also led the Australian contingent to 3 memorable wins so far. However, his basketball brilliance roots from much before his NBA days. The former No.6 pick in the NBA Draft comes from a family of hoopers. His father specifically paved the way for his success in basketball. Here’s what you need to know about the 20-year-old FIBA World Cup sensation’s family.
Who is Josh Giddey’s father?
Josh Giddey pursued a career in basketball, after his father, Warrick Giddey made his name in the NBL. Giddey followed his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in basketball and has not looked back since. Although Giddey surpassed his father in his basketball journey, his father’s legacy cannot be discredited.
Warrick Giddey started off his career as a junior in the Illawarra High School basketball program. He played as a forward, a position he retained throughout his entire career. Giddey went on to play in the NBL for 15 years between 1987 to 2002. He represented two teams, Illawarra Hawks and the iconic Melbourne Tigers during his stint. He joined the Illawarra Hawks at a mere age of 19 and never looked back since. Giddey made his debut in the 1886-87 season, wherein he averaged 3.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. However, his stint with the Hawks was short-lived.
Giddey moved on to the Melbourne Tigers after just two years of representing his home team. He played the rest of his career with the Tigers, also enjoying tremendous success as part of the franchise. He elevated his game from the moment he entered the Tigers roster, witnessing an increase in minutes too. His played time ’ time took a leap from 13 minutes in Illawarra to 29 minutes with the Tigers. Furthermore, his stats shot up too, averaging an impressive 6.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He also won two championships with the squad in 1993 and 1997.
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After his playing stint, Giddey chose to stay loyal to the Tigers, serving as the in-charge of the Community and School Programs of the team. He then gradually rose up the ranks to land the assistant coaching role with the team. He is currently the head coach for the Melbourne Tigers’ women’s team.
Warrick Giddey evidently had a decorated basketball career. However, despite his achievements over the years, the Australian legend never made it to the NBA. Why, you ask? Here goes.
Why did Warrick Giddey never make the NBA?
Warrick Giddey had an NBL career for the ages back in his day. In fact, the now 55-year-old had such an influential career back then that the Tigers put up his jersey number “6” on their rafters. However, despite this phenomenal success, the former Tigers forward never made it to the NBA. Why could this be?
Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls, li.) und Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns) – schau mir in die Augen Kleines – (Icon5000252)
Giddey played when the NBA housed some of the most talented basketball players in the game’s history. From Michael Jordan‘s dominance to Charles Barkley‘s legendary run, all took place during Giddey’s prime years. This could be one of the biggest reason the Australian legend never made it to the NBA. His stats, although impressive in the NBL, were not sufficient to find him a roster spot in the world’s most competitive league for basketball, the NBA. However, Giddey’s legacy has been carried on by his two children, Josh and Hannah.
Josh made the entire nation proud by not only making it to the NBA but putting up phenomenal performances. On the other hand, Hannah played college basketball for Oral Roberts’ Golden Eagles and Southern Nazarene University. In fact, their mother, Kim, too, played in the WNBL for the Tigers, much like their father.
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Although Warrick Giddey never made it to the NBA, Josh Giddey continued his legacy. Giddey has now become a pivotal part of the Thunder roster. His services would be crucial to their success, especially in the upcoming season. His FIBA World Cup performances so far, however, have given the Thunder fans a lot to look forward to.
The post Coming From a Basketball Family, Who Is Josh Giddey’s Father? Why Did the Basketball Coach Never Play in the NBA? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
