Projected first-round pick Josh Giddey named NBL Rookie of the Year

Giddey averaged 10.9 points, 7.6 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 28 games with the Adelaide 36ers.

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Projected first-round pick Josh Giddey on Wednesday was named the 2021 National Basketball League Rookie of the Year after a stellar season with the Adelaide 36ers.

The 18-year-old averaged 10.9 points, 7.6 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 28 games with the 36ers. He led all NBL players in assists, while he finished sixth in rebounding. He became the youngest Australian player in the NBL to register a triple-double on April 25.

Giddy, who was born in Sydney, joined the 36ers as part of the “Next Stars” program, a plan introduced to give the top high school prospects a way to play professionally. It helped launch the careers of LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton and Didi Louzada among others.

Of course, Giddey succeeds Ball as NBL Rookie of the Year after he took home the award with the Illawarra Hawks last season. Like Ball, Giddey set numerous records throughout the season and is also poised to become a first-round pick in the NBA draft on July 29.

The 6-foot-8 guard has drawn comparisons to fellow Australian Ben Simmons with his ability to lead his teams and flashy passes. While he is still a bit smaller than Simmons at this stage of his career, he is touted as a better shooter than Simmons was at the same age.

Giddey will bypass competing in the NBA draft combine this month in order to play with the Australian men’s basketball team in the Olympics. He is among the 24 finalists selected to play with Australia.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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