Josh Giddey released from Adelaide 36ers active playing roster as Club supports his next step

The Adelaide 36ers today announce that star point guard Josh Giddey will be released from the team’s active playing roster to assist his preparations for the upcoming NBA Draft.

Giddey, 18, who came to the 36ers as an NBL “Next Star” is considered one of the strongest international prospects in the draft with many observers predicting a top half of first round or draft lottery selection.

Giddey, averaging 11 points, close to 8 assists and 7 rebounds across 27 games during the NBL 21 season, became the youngest Australian to record three triple doubles, all in the space of two weeks. He has strongly impressed by demonstrating poise, skill-set and basketball IQ rarely seen in a player of his age.

Adelaide 36ers Chairman Grant Kelley, GM of Basketball Jeff Van Groningen and the NBL have closely monitored the various factors in play, most important of which are Giddey’s future path, health and readiness for what lays ahead. While noting his competitive desire to continue playing and contributing to the 36ers on-court results, all parties believe the decision to have Giddey fully focus on his next step is the correct one.

Grant Kelley said, "Josh has been a credit to himself, his family, and the Adelaide 36ers. We are proud for the part we have played over the past 12 months in developing Josh as a player and a young leader. By this decision today, we are supporting Josh in his quest to become an NBA player, by maximising his potential in the draft. We wish him every success."

Jeff Van Groningen continued, “Josh has had an incredible rookie season throughout which he’s demonstrated the attributes that will propel him onto the NBA stage. He’s given everything he can to the 36ers, he’s taken on each and every challenge here and will always be part of the 36ers family. At this point though, we want to allow Josh to singularly focus on preparations for the NBA draft. We are with him, we are behind him and we thank him”.

Though not part of the active playing roster for the Adelaide 36ers remaining five games, Giddey will join his teammates as the club looks to finish the season as strongly as possible.

Friday evening’s home game against Illawarra Hawks will be a chance for the Adelaide 36ers fans and members to acknowledge Giddey’s contribution.