Did OKC Mess Up in Josh Giddey’s Development?

This would reach its peak in the 2024 Western Conference Semis against the Dallas Mavericks. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was trying to mix it up. He ended up choosing Isaiah Joe to start over Giddey in Game 5, and OKC lost in six games. After that, the talks were to move on from him, and Oklahoma City did so.

For most of the 2023-24 season, Giddey was getting criticisms for his poor shooting. Sure, he was shooting 33.7% from three at the time—which was his career-high back then. However, it was the volume of threes that put it into the spotlight. Because SGA and J-Dub were dominating the ball, Giddey had to move to a less ball-dominant role. He was adjusting to a spot-up shooter role instead, and he wasn’t making a lot of them.

The “Unplayable” Giddey

Because he was deemed “unplayable” for OKC’s style, Giddey was traded to the Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso. The latter was more of the archetype that the Thunder needed for a 3-and-D wing. Giddey isn’t capable of fulfilling that role as he spent the whole season adjusting without the ball. As a pass-first guard who is better at setting plays with the ball, this wasn’t his strong suit.

Of course, OKC would go on to win the championship with Caruso playing a huge role for the team. Giddey, on the other hand, would find a better role in Chicago. He was blending well and had a major improvement in his first year with the Bulls. Giddey was a massive performer in the 2024-25 run, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He also shot 46.5% from the field, including 37.8% from deep.

The once so-called unplayable Giddey ended up being a boon for Chicago. Talk about how one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure.

What Could Have OKC Done Instead?

Giddey was said to be one of the big pieces for the Thunder back then. He was the SLOB (sideline out of bounds) wizard, known for his impressive playmaking skills, and the best passer that OKC had to compliment Chet Holmgren in the paint with easy passes. Instead of pushing him to an off-ball role, Oklahoma City should have thought of Josh Giddey’s development as a young player well. For starters, Giddey could have been pushed to a more ball-dominant role with the team, while SGA thrived off the isolation plays.

Giddey could have opened up a lot of cutting opportunities for SGA with his vision. J-Dub would have also benefitted well with backdoor cuts and would have been a more dangerous player in attacking the paint. Of course, the Giddey-to-Chet lobs would have been thriving now, and it’s possible that he could have played alongside Isaiah Hartenstein well to be a powerful second unit of their own.

OKC messing up the third year of his development was vital. It influenced the small hint of doubt that the Bulls have on him. Giddey is a reliable player in his own right. With his stats all going up and his efficiency being much more emphasized in Chicago, it is safe to say that he’s back on track. But that lone third year in OKC could have been a pivotal part that would have made him a much even better player today.

Could OKC Win a Championship with Giddey?

In a scenario where the Thunder could have played their cards right with Josh Giddey’s development, he might have not been traded at all. OKC would have even learned their lessons well. They could even have the same chance of winning as they did last season. Of course, they would not have the defensive mind and hustle of Caruso. But that would leave more room for other Thunder role players to rise to prominence and step up better.

Still, it is clear the Thunder were definitely on the wrong side of managing Giddey’s development alongside its rising stars. Had it not been for his sudden adjustments, Giddey would have stayed in OKC. He would have been a prominent floor general in his own right. Overall, in another universe, Giddey is an NBA champion. But right now, OKC’s tough handling in 2023-24 left an indelible mark in his value. Now, he’s still yet to get that new deal he so deserves as a restricted free agent.