Olympics: Adversity conditioned Josh Giddey primed to be the Boomers’ most ‘influential player’

A record six Australian Boomers are receiving the perfect preparation for the Paris Olympics on basketball’s biggest stage in the NBA playoffs, headed by the program’s future in Josh Giddey.

Matt Logue

@mattlogue7

3 min read

April 26, 2024 - 8:00AM

Josh Giddey is all smiles for Oklahoma City Thunder. Picture: Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

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A record six Australian Boomers are receiving the perfect preparation for this year’s Paris Olympics on basketball’s biggest stage in the NBA playoffs, headed by the program’s future in Josh Giddey.

The Boomers face a difficult road to reach the podium in Paris, but on the plus side a host of players have the chance to feature prominently in the NBA post-season.

Giddey tops the list as the starting point guard for the West’s No.1 seeded, OKC Thunder.

The Melbourne-born star has overcome a challenging season, including form struggles, to help the Thunder become championship contenders.

Giddey battled in OKC’s Game 1 win over New Orleans, shooting just one of six from the field, but he responded in style with a standout display in a big Game 2 victory on Thursday.

Josh Giddey responded in style to lead Oklahoma City Thunder to a win in game 2 of the play-off series against New Orleans. Picture: Getty Images

He dropped 13 points on four of nine shooting from the field, while he added six rebounds and three assists to help give the Thunder a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Pelicans.

Giddey’s professional performance – and classy season despite setbacks - has prompted Boomers legend Chris Anstey to declare the gun guard will be Australia’s most prolific player at this year’s Paris Olympics.

“With the scrutiny and negative public commentary Josh has shown incredible maturity to not only remain on the floor, but to actively contribute to OKC becoming the youngest number 1 seed in NBA history,” said Anstey, who represented the Boomers at two Olympics in 2000 and 2008.

“The challenges Josh is already facing, and seems prepared to handle, with the way opposition teams are guarding him may reflect tactics the Boomers will need to deal with in Paris.

“I expect Josh to be our most influential player in Paris, with the ball in his hands far more than any other.”

Miami Heat’s Patty Mills is in a battle for minutes in the NBA but will likely lead the Boomers at the Olympics in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

Giddey’s father, Warrick, is also expecting big things from his son in Paris. He says his boy has understood the significance of the green and gold from a young age.

It helps that Giddey was surrounded by hoops from a young age through his father and mother Kim – who both played professionally in the NBL and WNBL respectively.

And while Warrick only represented Australia at an Under 21s level, he still passed on the importance of playing for your country.

“We just love Josh’s passion to represent his country,” Warrick said about Josh ahead of his first Olympic Games in Paris.

“Playing for Australia is still his No.1 priority and his biggest thrill. Josh is patriotic and he wants to be a Boomer every time he can.”

Giddey isn’t the only Australian Boomer featuring in the NBA playoffs.

Josh Green is playing a key role for the Dallas Mavericks. Picture: Getty Images

Backcourt duo Dante Exum and Josh Green are both playing influential roles for the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks are currently locked in a competitive Western Conference first-round series against the LA Clippers.

Exum and Green – both considered certainties to play for the Boomers in Paris – have provided contributions off the bench for Dallas.

This was on show during Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the Clippers.

Green played 14 minutes off the bench and had seven rebounds, while he attracted the praise from the commentators, who noted: “It’s clear Josh played Australian rules football as a youngster. He is so busy.”

Joe Ingles is battling for minutes at the Orlando Magic. Picture: Getty Images

Boomers veterans and Tokyo bronze medallists – Patty Mills and Joe Ingles – are receiving limited minutes for the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic respectively.

Mills is yet to feature in the post-season for the Heat, while Ingles has averaged 14 minutes off the bench for the Magic.

It has sparked calls for the veteran pair to come off the bench for the Boomers at this year’s Paris Olympics.

Dyson Daniels is eyeing his first Olympics campaign. Picture: Getty Images

Emerging guard Dyson Daniels – who is at the opposite end of experience spectrum – is aiming to play at his first Games in 2024.

Daniels has played a total of just nine minutes for New Orleans so far this post-season, but this could increase ahead of Game 3 against Giddey’s OKC Thunder from 5.30am (AEST) on Sunday.