The impressive rookie campaign by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey came to an end in February but the sixth pick impressed plenty of people along the way, including general manager Sam Presti.
Giddey, in 54 games, averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 41.9% shooting from the field. He led the rookie class in assists and even became the youngest player in history to record a triple-double at 19 years, 84 days.
He was just the second rookie ever to record three straight triple-doubles.
Giddey last appeared in a game on Feb. 24 but was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hip injury. The team ultimately ran out of time to get him back into action this season, but he is on track to play in summer league.
Despite not playing down the stretch, Presti was impressed by Giddey.
I think Josh Giddey is a good player. I think he has exceeded most people’s expectations given his age. He is younger than a lot of guys that are going to be picked this year. He is a very, very quick learner. His pace of learning, I think, exceeds his results.
I think Josh is learning quickly. From game to game, how people guard him. If we play them again, and they try to do the same thing, he is ahead of that. But you saw that in his play the year before (in the NBL), as well.
Giddey was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month four times this season but was not among the three finalists for Rookie of the Year. However, he appears to be a lock to place on one of the All-Rookie teams, based on some early voting results.
The season by Giddey certainly gave the Thunder plenty of hope for the future. Presti admitted that Giddey will have some tough stretches ahead, like most young players, but the team can see that he is a player it can build around in the future.
Giddey stuffed the stat sheet all season and emerged as one of the top rookie players. He put up some monster numbers throughout the year and had his name up there with some elite company. With Giddey around, the future looks to be bright for the Thunder.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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