Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Land Honors at FIBA World Cup
The Oklahoma City Thunder sent a few of its top players to the FIBA World Cup this summer. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey both headlined their respective national teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander, representing Canada, led his team to a bronze medal, the team's first medal in World Cup history. While helping make history for his national team, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 23.6 points per game on 54 percent shooting. This earned him a spot on the Fiba All-Star Five following the conclusion of the tournament.
Evidently, the 6-foot-6 All-Star built off an incredible season by imposing his will on the national stage. They didn't get their desired result, but he showed that his play style wasn't a product of the Thunder's system, but rather he plays a universal game that isn't easy to guard no matter who the other four players are.
Gilgeous-Alexander builds more and more hype for him and the Thunder heading into a season full of potential. He should be able to make yet another All-Star appearance while potentially leading the Thunder to postseason basketball.
This won't be done alone, though. Other Thunder members will need to take a leap. This could be possible, though, as Giddey had an awesome World Cup himself, earning the Rising Star of the World Cup honor.
Leading Australia, a team littered with NBA talent, the Boomers fell short, but Giddey showed his ability to put every aspect of his game together. He knocked down timely 3-pointers on top of his ability to use his size and frame to score down low. Of course, his passing remained a must-see part of his game.
The two guards made their mark on FIBA play, and they both carry momentum into this season where they will lead the Thunder as a tandem duo. If Giddey can emulate what he did with Australia alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder could have an even higher ceiling than imagined.
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