OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault clarified Josh Giddey’s game status following the announcement the NBA had opened an investigation into allegations the 21-year-old engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
In his pregame media availability against the Philadelphia 76ers, Daigneault confirmed Giddey will continue to play for the Thunder until the team is told otherwise by the league.
“Available to play. Will play. No change in status from a basketball standpoint,” Daigneault said. “Still I have no comment on anything else.”
When asked about his comfort level of playing Giddey, Daigneault said the information they currently possess allows them to continue to play him.
“Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we’ve made,” Daigneault said. “It’s really not even a decision, to be honest with you.”
When asked if Giddey’s status could potentially change in the future, Daigneault said that it’s out of their hands, and if any changes are made to his status, it’ll be a league decision.
“It’s obviously a league matter at this point, the ball’s in their court on that,” Daigneault said.
Mark Diagneault on the leagues investigation on Josh Giddey
Giddey is available to play and will play this afternoon against the 76ers pic.twitter.com/lviimRquXr
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) November 25, 2023
The allegations arose on social media on Wednesday night. Giddey and Daigneault both elected to not give any comments about the situation following Friday’s practice. A few hours later, the league announced its investigation.
Giddey is in his third season with the Thunder after being drafted No. 6 overall in the 2021 NBA draft. In 15 games, he’s averaged 12.3 points on 43.5% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
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