Josh Giddey plays for Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday amid allegations

Josh Giddey has suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder for the first time since the NBA announced an investigation into his actions.

Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey has suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday morning (AEDT), as allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a female hanging over his head.

In a pre-game media conference, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault declared the NBA’s investigation into Giddey’s behaviour would not result in the 21-year-old guard being left off the court by the team.

“Available to play, will play, no change in status from a basketball standpoint. Still have no comment on anything else,” Daigneault 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.”

The Thunder coach was then asked whether he anticipated the ongoing league investigation could result in Giddey missing games in the future, however he refused to be drawn, simply stating: “It’s obviously a league matter at this point, so ball is in their court on that.”

Giddey was cheered by the OKC crowd and didn’t seem affected by the off-court drama, playing a solid game in the Thunder’s 127-123 loss to Philadelphia.

Crowd reaction to Josh Giddey being introduced in the starting lineup: pic.twitter.com/1EJXkLodfZ

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 25, 2023

After a slow start to the first quarter, Giddey threw an alley oop pass to Chet Holmgren and nailed a floater shot to help spark a comeback for the Thunder.

He finished with 10 points, seven assists and eight rebounds from 26 minutes of court time.

Josh Giddey will play on Sunday against the 76ers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Daigneault’s comments come after the NBA launched an investigation into the allegations against Giddey that emerged on social media on Thursday.

“We are looking into it,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed in a statement to news.com.au on Saturday.

Giddey meanwhile refused to comment on the allegations against him during a team media event on Saturday, stating: “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now.”

The Boomers star is currently in the third year of a four-year $41m rookie contract with the Thunder - but could command significantly more in his next contract given the way he has burst onto the NBA scene, utilising his six-foot-eight frame and incredible passing skills.

Josh Giddey was asked about the allegations that went viral on social media the past few days. pic.twitter.com/yVr5gOku0x

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 24, 2023

Allegations against Giddey emerged on Thursday when pictures and videos were posted to social media featuring Giddey with a young woman.

One of the images is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the woman.

There are videos which feature Giddey supposedly talking to the girl’s brother, in which he says: “I’m here with your beautiful sister.

“Good luck for your season. I hear you’re going to Sacramento soon for a game so best of luck. We’re going to come up and watch you take care of business.”

In another video, where she appears to be standing in the background outside a nightclub, Giddey says: “What’s up my man? We’re at the front of the club, me and my girl, about to head back to mine.”

The legal age to attend a nightclub in the United States is 21.

Australian basketball star Josh Giddey has had allegations leveled against him after a social media post showed him with a young woman.

Images of Josh Giddey circulated on social media.

Giddey, born and raised in Melbourne, burst onto the scene as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program which put him on the radar of NBA scouts.

In April 2021 he became the youngest Australian in NBL history to record a triple-double while playing with the Adelaide 36ers.

His career exploded after he was taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Proving his feats in the NBL were no fluke, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on January 2, 2022 when he was just over 19 years old.

Australia's Josh Giddey (L) drives past Brazil's Marcelinho Huertas (R). (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

His first year in the league saw him claim the Western Conference rookie of the month four times before he succumbed to injury in the later stages of the season.

Giddey missed out on selection for the Australian Boomers squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, being selected as one of three emergency players.

He represented Australia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he finished the tournament with averages of 19.4 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

The six-foot-eight guard has endured a tough third season so far, despite the OKC Thunder becoming one of the hottest teams in the league to start the 2023-24 season.

His statistical output across the board has taken a dip with his points, rebounding and assist numbers lower than his rookie season.

Through 15 games he has averages of 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. His minutes per game have also taken a slide, coming in at a tick over 27 minutes per game.

News.com.au has contacted Giddey’s management for comment.

Originally published as Josh Giddey plays for Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday amid allegations