The NBA is aware of and “looking into” allegations that Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl, a league spokesperson announced Friday.
Social media posts over the past days went viral and appeared to show Giddey involved with a supposed high schooler.
The age of consent varies by state, but is 16 in Oklahoma (and 18 federally). Giddey, now 21 years old, got drafted out of Australia in 2021 at 19.
It’s unclear if the league’s prob amounts to a formal investigation. Giddey wasn’t punished immediately as potentially inflammatory social media posts surfaced, and he practiced as normal on Friday afternoon. When asked about the allegations, both Giddey and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault declined to comment.
“I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey told reporters, via ESPN, on Friday.
Giddey is a main pillar for a Thunder organization building around rising stars with Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Giddey made the 2021-22 All-Rookie team and is averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists for Oklahoma City this year.