The NBA says it is investigating an accusation that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl.
In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey in videos and photographs was a high school junior atthe time. The social media account has since been deactivated.
“We’re looking into it,” Michael Bass, an NBA spokesman, said on Saturday.
When questioned about the “serious allegations” following the Thunder’s practice session on Saturday morning, Giddey responded, “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now.” When pressed further, he reiterated, “I get the question guys. I completely understand you guys wanna know about it. But just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also declined to comment on the matter.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Giddey gained recognition through the NBL’s Next Stars program, catching the attention of NBA scouts. In April 2021, he became the youngest Australian in NBL history to achieve a triple-double while playing with the Adelaide 36ers. His career skyrocketed after being selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Thunder.
Demonstrating that his NBL success was no fluke, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on January 2, 2022. Despite his remarkable achievements, he faced injury towards the end of his rookie season. Giddey missed out on the selection for the Australian Boomers squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but represented Australia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, finishing with averages of 19.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Thunder have gone 5-3 in home games this year. Oklahoma City is fifth in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 110.2 points while holding opponents to 43.2% shooting. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.4 steals for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points over the last 10 games for Oklahoma City.
