Giddey Bolts

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Josh Giddey has become the main storyline of the Thunder’s 2021-22 season. Shai is great, but we already knew that. And since the only intrigue about Oklahoma City’s record is how low they can go this year, Giddey’s development is the biggest question. He’s answering it loudly. After generating some overdue buzz with a flurry of triple-doubles heading into the All-Star break, he was showcased as the only Thunder representative in the Rising Stars and Skills Challenge. Now that he’s got everyone’s attention, can he continue to light up the court the rest of the way?

Giddey Bolts:

The Giddey All-Star Weekend video package.

A thread of the achievements The Giddler’s racked up so far.

Our own Jayden Rule’s breakdown of Giddey’s many passing excellencies.

Joe Vardon (The Athletic) on Giddey’s Aussie football vs. basketball career choice.

It was love at first poop. For the heck of it, I’m throwing back to DT’s Brandon Rahbar accidentally addressing his toddler while unmuted in a pre-draft session with Giddey.

LeBron James praised the rookie, in a preamble to even louder praise for Sam Presti.

Other Bolts:

James also confirmed that he plans to play wherever his son ends up if/when he’s drafted in 2024. Naturally, OKC is one of the likeliest teams to have enough draft capital to select Bronny as part of a package deal for the elder James’ services. Even if it’s a reach, no other team can afford to overspend with a pick as much as the Thunder.

The Thunder signed Oliver Sarr to a 2-way contract. The 7-footer has accumulated just shy of 15 minutes for OKC as an undrafted rookie this season, bouncing around the team’s G-League/10-day ecosystem up till now.

Mark Schindler (BasketballNews) dives into the Thunder’s surprisingly solid defense, with a very welcome dose of Gang Starr. “The Oklahoma City Thunder simply do NOT play with fire. Everything about their defense is solid. Their whole identity is crafted around managing firepower. Gum up what the offense wants and force them into really difficult looks without gambling. They allow the 2nd fewest attempts at the rim in 2022 (4th on the season), while holding opponents to 62.6% shooting at the rim over the same span (5th). They squeeze offenses to only 27.1% of all shots coming within four feet of the basket. OKC’s mission every possession is to shrink the floor, slow drives, take away the open lanes, and chew the clock.”