Aussie teen Josh Giddey may very well be set for a mega payday if he continues his meteoric rise within the upcoming NBA season.
Giddey has been named at No. 53 in ESPN’s annual listing of the NBA’s prime 100 gamers, coming in forward of the likes of Chris Paul, Rudy Gobert, Draymond Inexperienced and Zion Williamson.
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His Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is broadly tipped to be the massive improver this season, with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander main a younger workforce that’s welcoming again seven-footer Chet Holmgren, who missed his rookie season with harm.
The Thunder completed final season with a 40-42 report however are tipped to win extra video games than they lose this season and make the playoffs for the primary time because the 2019-2020 marketing campaign.
“The Thunder are anticipated to take a leap ahead this season,” ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk wrote.
“If that’s the case, Giddey should take one other one himself. The purpose guard is coming into his third season after ending 2022-23 robust, averaging 20.2 factors, 6.7 assists, 9.1 rebounds in his last eight video games.
“However can Giddey present huge enchancment in his taking pictures after averaging 48.2% from the sphere and 32.5% from 3?”
It’s vital recognition and a serious vote in confidence in Giddey, who has simply celebrated his twenty first birthday as he gears up for his third NBA season.
Main NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski is extraordinarily bullish on OKC’s future, telling ESPN: “I believe there are 4 potential All-Stars in that (Thunder) line-up down the street, and possibly (Chet) Holmgren’s a possible MVP candidate.”
Giddey has spoken about desirous to get to the free throw line extra typically and enhance his three-point shot — and if he does, he might properly be an All-Star and Most Improved Participant candidate.
And if he makes that form of leap, Giddey may very well be in line for a mega $300 million contract extension just like offers signed by LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton after they made the All-Star Recreation.
It might see him surpass Ben Simmons’ $275 million (AUD) contract because the richest ever deal signed by an Australian NBA participant.
ESPN’s prime 100 listing ranked Giddey forward of Memphis’ Desmond Bane, who signed a five-year, $322 million (AUD) extension on his rookie deal in July.
The Aussie will probably be eligible for the same contract extension on his rookie deal, which is able to see him earn round $10.2 million (AUD) in his third season.
However such a pay rise will rely on the NBA’s new collective bargaining settlement that kicks on this season and is predicted to trigger a wage cap squeeze at many groups.
There are extra Australians than ever taking part in within the NBA this season, with a number of Aussies swapping groups over the low season.
The NBA season begins on October 24.
Australians within the NBA
Josh Giddey — OKC Thunder
Jack White — OKC Thunder
Patty Mills — Atlanta Hawks
Jock Landale — Houston Rockets
Dante Exum — Dallas Mavericks
Josh Inexperienced — Dallas Mavericks
Duop Reath — Portland Trailblazers
Matisse Thybulle — Portland Trailblazers
Joe Ingles — Orlando Magic
Xavier Cooks — Washington Wizards
Dejan Vasiljevic — Washington Wizards
Makur Maker — Toronto Raptors
Initially revealed as Josh Giddey receives spectacular NBA rating, primed for mega $300m payday
