Giddey puts on a show against Kings as NBA scouts look on

Josh Giddey helped the Adelaide 36ers to an overtime win against the Sydney Kings as scouts from the NBA’s Toronto Raptors looked on.

Giddey could well find himself drafted to an NBA side in the not-too-distant future. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Josh Giddey knew the eyes of NBA talent scouts were firmly fixed on him when he took the court against the Sydney Kings and the unflappable 36ers’ star blitzed the high-pressure job interview with his third triple-double of the season.

The 18-year-old became the youngest Australian to record a triple-double in NBL history last month, just days before he nominated for this year’s NBA draft where he is projected as a first-round pick.

Scouts from the Toronto Raptors made the long trip, enduring a two-week quarantine, to get a look at Giddey in person and he didn’t disappoint with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in Sunday’s stunning 97-88 overtime win that keeps his team in the finals hunt.

“I knew they were here, but it didn’t really impact the way I played or what I was trying to do out there,” Giddey said of the scouts’ presence in the stands at Qudos Bank Arena.

“The stats are cool but for me it’s about wins.

“We’ve strung three in a row together, so we want to keep that rolling and make a finals push.

“Stats for me don’t matter.

“I’m playing with confidence. Coach gives me a lot of confidence in myself. My guys believe in me … my teammates make me look good.”

Giddey’s father Warwick played over 400 games for the Melbourne Tigers. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Giddey’s push up NBA draft talent boards has proved an intriguing sideshow to Adelaide’s late charge at a finals berth.

But rather than attempt to downplay Giddey’s path to the NBA as they fight for a top-four finish, coach Conner Henry and his team have embraced it.

“It’s a lot of fun for all of us to be a part of,” Henry said.

“He’s playing at a really high level, his confidence is right there. The only time I try to wind him back is when he turns the ball over. He realises at times he has to make better decisions but I have to also let him be him.

“He’s doing great.

“He’s playing at a high level, he’s got incredible vision, he’s really working hard and his shot has really improved.”