NBA clubs circle Adelaide’s NBL Next Star Josh Giddey

Adelaide’s rookie point guard Josh Giddey is attracting big interest from NBA clubs after starring in his opening two NBL games for the 36ers.

Adelaide 36ers rookie point guard Josh Giddey has only played two NBL games, but the draft-bound sensation already has multiple NBA clubs expressing interest in his sublime skills.

36ers general manager Jeff Van Groningen confirmed he’d had running conversations with several NBA franchises about Giddey.

The 18-year-old NBL Next Star is eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft and is viewed as a late first or second-round pick.

Giddey has enhanced his draft stock after excelling in his opening two NBL games for Adelaide.

He finished with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in his professional debut during the 36ers’ opening loss to championship favourites Melbourne United on Friday.

Giddey backed up this performance on Sunday with an impressive double-double in Adelaide’s remarkable double overtime win over South East Melbourne.

He also defied an ugly fall during the overtime period when his face hit the floor following an attempted dunk to finish with 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a memorable triumph.

Unfortunately, Giddey has been ruled out of the 36ers’ clash against the South East Melbourne Phoenix this Wednesday due to medical advice.

An update on the gifted guard’s status will be made prior to this Friday evening’s home game against New Zealand.

Josh Giddey slam dunks against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Van Groningen believes Giddey, the son of championship-winning Melbourne Tiger Warrick Giddey, is destined to star in the NBL and eventually the NBA.

“Josh is a special talent and equally terrific kid – I’m not sure the league has had a better 18-year-old in an awfully long time,” Van Groningen said about Giddey, who has also spent time with the NBA Global Academy in Canberra.

“His development has been strong over the past couple of months and as he has quickly adapted to the NBL’s size, speed and intensity.

“His (first two games) have been a demonstration of why he was a priority in the off-season to sign.”

Australian NBA star and Adelaide-born product Joe Ingles has been impressed with Giddey’s start to the NBL season. Ingles constantly tweeted about the teen star during his opening two games for the 36ers.

Giddey hits the deck after a dunk gone wrong. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“Give Giddey the ball,” Ingles declared.

“Adelaide haven’t got a good look since Giddey went out the game. Put him in!.”

In a bid to handle the physicality of playing against seasoned professionals in the NBL, Giddey has added around 10-12 kilograms of muscle to his slender frame.

Van Groningen has also been impressed with his ability to listen and learn on the run.

“Our early practice games against Brisbane gave him an initial feel for the league,” he said.

“Then our recent trip to Cairns stepped that up a notch.

“Finally, the first couple of regular season games at full intensity finished off that progression of adapting to this level.

“At each stage he has adjusted, learned and absorbed.”

Giddey will look to continue his hot start to his maiden NBL season on Wednesday when Adelaide hosts South East Melbourne from 7.30pm.