Josh Giddey opens up on ‘tough’ year in rare interview after NBA star helped Oklahoma City Thunder to win over Toronto Raptors

Josh Giddey made a rare media appearance as the Australian basketball star opened what he described as a “tough” NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Giddey, 21, has endured a difficult third campaign in the NBA, with leaked images on social media leading to accusations of an inappropriate relationship with an underage woman.

The Melbournian will not be charged in connection with the allegations as police in California believe there is ‘no corroborating evidence’ to substantiate the claims. The NBA has yet to complete its own investigation into the episode.

Elsewhere, Giddey is the subject of trade speculation, with Boomers legend Andrew Gaze suggesting the Thunder could look to offload him given the emergence of guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams.

But Giddey proved he’s still very capable of being the lead man for the Thunder, producing a game-high 24 points on 9-0f-15 shooting, with six boards, six assists and two blocks in the win over Toronto.

The Australian was out of form and faced accusations outside the court

And after the game, Giddey was candid about his season.

“It’s been a different year for me,” Giddey said, via news.com.au.

“With guys coming in, a team like this requires sacrifice and the success we’ve had requires that.

“The guys have done a great job of making the right plays and we have so much talent on this team that it’s not going to be everyone’s night every night.

“The guys have done a great job of being unselfish, making the extra pass and making the extra play, and that’s where I think we’ve had success so far.

“I’m just trying to reach out. I thought tonight was a good step in the right direction in terms of confidence and decision-making.”

Giddey also said he understands his development will take time, but insists he has a rock-solid mentality.

Giddey says he sees light at the end of the tunnel

‘It won’t happen overnight. It takes time. Progress is never linear,” he said.

“I’m 21 years old and I’m going to go through some tough times like I’ve been through most of the season, but I’m trying not to let it deter me.

“It’s hard sometimes when you’re going through these processes that you’re in the middle of and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But you have to see the big picture.

‘Everyone experiences this. I’ve done well to have people I could lean on. Teammates, coaches, external people who have helped me tremendously in dealing with that.’