The Oklahoma City Thunder have commanded plenty of attention in NBA summer league — and for good reason. If the Salt Lake City showings of Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey are any evidence, then Thunder fans are in for a treat this season.
First, Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, dazzled in his debut and scored 23 points and six blocks in 24 minutes. Holmgren’s showing even caught the eye of Oklahoma City mayor David Holt.
Then on Wednesday, Giddey secured the first summer league triple-double since 2019 with a statline of 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in an 87-71 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
On Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, Giddey, the No. 6 pick in the 2021 draft, was once again the star of the show.
His physicality was on display in the fourth quarter when he rose up and posterized Malik Ellison with a two-handed jam. Giddey punctuated the play with a staredown and flex over Ellison, receiving a technical foul as a result.
Giddey’s Twitter feed shows that he doesn’t have any regrets.
A tech?! Worth it tho https://t.co/RJi00KEVR5
— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) July 8, 2022