New Bull Giddey prepared for Olympic debut

Former Adelaide 36ers NBL Next Star Josh Giddey will never forget his time in the City of Churches.

The 203cm point guard has spent the off-season training with 36ers GM of High Performance Nik Popovic leading into the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“It’s special to still have that connection with the 36ers,” Giddey said.

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“For me, it was that stepping stone to the NBA, they did an awesome job of preparing me.

“Everyone from the front office to the coaches, to the teammates and everyone in between was really good for me.

“That was my first ever professional year was there (in Adelaide), it’s a very special place for me and my family.

“I will always love Adelaide and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Giddey spent almost everyday in the gym with Popovic, doing extra individual sessions around his Boomers commitments.

But the 2021 NBL Rookie of the Year winner had to take some days off, with a quick trip back to the US after he was traded from OKC Thunder to the Chicago Bulls.

Popovic said Giddey’s training regime was affected, but the pair made some adaptions, so the program could continue the right trajectory.

“When he arrived (in Chicago) he was texting me and I sent him a workout plan, and he was working out at midnight,” Popovic said.

“So that shows you where he wants to et and where he needs to be.

“We made some adjustments on his way back to Boomers camp. Nearly 40 hours on a plane across four days, that’s challenging for anyone.”

Giddey said he has faith in Popovic’s training schedule and knows the 36ers will be in a great position off the court.

“To be able to work with Pop, who is in Adelaide now, and keep that connection going is awesome,” Giddey said.