NBA star Josh Giddey produces classy display amid inappropriate behaviour claims

Australian basketball star Josh Giddey was permitted to play and produced a brilliant showing while the NBA probes the veracity of allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a young woman.

Josh Giddey has put aside serious allegations to produce a classy display in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s close 127-123 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

Some Thunder fans questioned why Giddey played during an active NBA investigation over possible inappropriate behaviour with a female, but he had the club’s backing and finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in his 25 minutes on the floor.

The Melbourne-born guard wasn’t at his brilliant best, only shooting 4 of 12 (33.3 per cent) from the field, but he still made a significant contribution as a young OKC side pushed the experienced 76ers.

Giddey laughed and joked with teammates in the pre-game warm-up.

He looked in good spirits, despite the drama unfolding around him, and it showed on the court during his first six-minute stint.

Giddey’s first touch was a rebound, before he produced a textbook drive and kick pass for a Chet Holmgren three.

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 21-year-old was locked in from the outset – and the Thunder benefited.

Giddey had the crowd cheering when he drove to the basket for a trademark layup.

Minutes later, he combined with big man Holmgren again with a pinpoint pass for a beautiful alley-oop.

Giddey didn’t have it all his way. He missed a shot from point blank range in the second quarter, while his shooting was inconsistent.

Giddey would have taken solace from Sunday’s performance as the NBA investigates the veracity of allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a young woman.

Josh Giddey for the Australian Boomers. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Thunder coach Mark Diagneault backed his point guard prior to their home clash, saying it was “really not even a decision” over whether he would take the court.

“Yeah, he’ll play – no change to his status from a basketball standpoint. Still I have no comment on anything else,” he told reporters.

Asked why he was comfortable with Giddey playing while under investigation by the league’s head office, Diagneault said: “Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we’ve made.

“It’s really not even a decision, to be honest with you.”

One of the pictures which has surfaced on social media.

He indicated the Thunder would continue to play Giddey while the NBA examined the allegations that blew up on social media in recent days.

“It’s obviously a league matter at this point, so the ball’s in their court on that,” Diagneault said.

Giddey faces a career-defining crisis.

The images and videos surfaced on Thursday involving the Australian guard and a young female.

Another picture shared on social media.

It is unclear when or where the images were taken or the nature of their relationship.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed to Code Sports the league was probing the veracity of the allegations involving Giddey.

“We are looking into it,” Bass said.

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, at a Saturday media call, was asked about the allegations ahead of Sunday’s home clash against the 76ers.

Giddey said he was unable to comment.

“I understand the question, obviously, but there is no further comment right now,” Giddey said.

Asked again, he said: “I get the question guys.

“I completely understand you guys want to know about it.

“But just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.”

Giddey is in the third year of a four year US$27 million deal and a restricted free-agent who could command US$400 million on his next deal.

Originally published as NBA star Josh Giddey produces classy display amid inappropriate behaviour claims